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.