The goal of the human-powered submarine project, at the University of Washington, is to provide a unique educational opportunity for students.
Students participate in the design and construction of a human-powered submarine.
This is an opportunity to exercise technical aptitude, to participate in a large-scale group design project and to learn methods of manufacturing, fabrication and project management. Some of the design projects may involve considerable research and development, while others may utilize a more hands-on approach. The submarine races began in 1989 in the Atlantic Ocean in southern Florida. Submarines are judged primarily by their speed over a designated course, but they are also judged by an engineering panel for quality of design, innovation, use of materials, operation and cost. Each submarine must pass a rigorous safety inspection before it is permitted to compete.