12th International Human-Powered Submarine Races (ISR)

12th International Submarine Races to be Held at
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division
June 24 – 28, 2013
… Unique Human-Powered Engineering Design Competition…
CARDEROCK, MD. November 27, 2012 –The Foundation for Underwater Research and Education (FURE)
announces that the 12th International Submarine Races (ISR), a biennial engineering design competition, is scheduled to
be held the week of June 22-26, 2013, at NSWC Carderock Division in West Bethesda, Md.
The Foundation supports the ISR during the two-year process to design, build and take part in the human
powered submarine competition. FURE’s objective via the ISR is to raise interest and participation in engineering
education and to increase competence and awareness among ocean engineering students.
This will be the 12th in the series of alternate summer races that test the creative skills of young engineering
students from colleges, universities and technical and high schools from throughout the world. Teams wearing scuba gear
compete in one- and two-person “wet” submarines designed to run submerged along a 100-meter measured course in the
Carderock model basin. The ISR began in Florida in 1989 and has been held here since 1995.
“The Carderock Division is proud to host the 2013 ISR at our David Taylor Model Basin facility,” said Division
Commander Capt. Stefanyshyn-Piper. “We are thrilled to be a part of such an exciting event that puts engineering skills
learned in the classroom and in the lab to a practical test. We know all participants will be hard at work on their new
designs, and we all look forward to seeing the innovative approaches they will bring to next year’s competition.”
The purpose of the subraces is to provide an educational opportunity for aspiring young engineers. Their
participation in the design, construction, and operation of a human-powered submarine offers real-time application of
theoretical knowledge, hands-on problem-solving and teambuilding skills. Each year, teams strive to either set new speed
records or bring innovative approaches to propulsion, guidance or other technical requirements of submarine design.
Race organizers install specialized timing equipment in the Carderock model basin to determine the exact speed of each

vehicle. Underwater video and times are displayed on television screens. Prizes are awarded in a number of categories,
including speed, design, best use of composite materials and innovation.
The subrace engineering design competition is an investment in the future of our young people, not only to help
them compete in the global technology economy, but to provide a better trained and experienced resource pool of bright
and industrious students to help industry and the government fill future national needs. The ISR experience increases
their value to potential employers. Studies show that students who can put their classroom skills to practical use fare far
better in the post-college job market.
The 12th ISR principal sponsors include the Electric Boat Corporation, the Oceanic Engineering Society of the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Henry A. “Hap” Perry, the ISR founder. Many in-kind
sponsors also contribute. Additionally, ISR is one of many STEM outreach programs supported by NSWC Carderock
Division which is part of the Naval Sea Systems Command.