Teams consist of four students plus one alternate and a coach.
Each match has a maximum of 25 toss-up questions and an equal number of bonus questions. Students must develop a research document on a specific ocean-related question or problem. Each team is required to write an in-depth research paper, and the students must also give an oral presentation on their project. The written and oral presentations each count for half of the 50 percent total. Artwork must be original and must have an ocean theme.