Welcome to the International Submarine Races website!

For over 25 years, the Foundation for Underwater Research & Education (FURE) has sponsored the International Submarine Race (ISR) as the capstone Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) event for thousands of young men and women. This biennial design competition for human powered underwater vehicles, hosted by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, provides valuable educational experiences to the best and brightest engineering and science students from throughout the world.

The International Submarine Race was created in response to the recognized challenge that a shortfall in the ocean and marine engineering fields and scientists was looming in the near future. The race provides a platform for teams at all grade levels to develop a one or two-person “wet” submarine. Crew members breathe SCUBA from the air supply carried aboard the submarine and propel the submarine over an underwater course. Each submarine is unique, designed from “scratch”, and relies upon novel techniques for propulsion and guidance.

 The student’s participation in the design, construction, and operation of an underwater craft offers real-time application of theoretical knowledge, hands-on problem solving and teambuilding skills.

During each race, teams strive to bring innovative approaches to propulsion, guidance or other technical requirements of submarine design.

As many of us read in the headlines each day, our country continues to struggle to produce enough scientists, engineers, technologists and mathematicians to meet this country’s future needs to keep it number one in the world. The ISR engineering design competition is an investment in the future of our young people. The knowledge and experience gained through the competition provides a strong foundation from which bright and industrious students build a future fulfilling their personal interests as well as industry and national needs in rigorous fields of study.