Expanding Opportunities Through SeaPerch

SeaPerch at Seacoast High School has grown into more than just an introduction to underwater robotics—it has become a gateway for students to explore real-world applications in marine science, technology, and environmental stewardship. Through an exciting partnership with the Emerald Coast Dive Club’s Virtual Reef Explorers Program, students are now extending their learning beyond the classroom and into the waters of the Gulf.

SeaPerch provides students with a foundational introduction to remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Participants develop hands-on technical skills such as soldering, wiring, and 3D design as they build and refine their own underwater vehicles. These ROVs are then used to complete competition obstacle courses and mission-based challenges. Along the way, students gain valuable experience working collaboratively, solving problems, and thinking creatively.

For many students, the program becomes one of the most memorable parts of their high school experience. As Fernanda Leyva (Class of 2026) shares, “Being in SeaPerch for the past three years has been one of my favorite parts of high school. We spent a lot of time building, testing, and redesigning our vehicles, which pushed us to think outside the box. I really liked the people I worked with and the friendships we built during meetings and competitions. Some of my favorite memories are feeding wire to the drivers, cheering on our team, and just bonding in that fun environment! I also gained hands-on skills like soldering, using tools, and trying things I normally wouldn’t.”

A few years ago, SeaPerch meetings led to a unique opportunity for two members of the Class of 2025 to collaborate with the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA). These students conceived, designed, and built a custom ROV capable of collecting environmental data to support CBA’s water quality monitoring and habitat restoration efforts. During the development process, they connected with Mr. Morris—parent of two Seacoast alumni and a professional ROV pilot with the Emerald Coast Dive Club (ECDC).

This connection sparked something bigger. In May 2025, Mr. Morris reached out to explore the possibility of Seacoast students participating in ECDC’s Virtual Reef Explorers Program. The program allows students to pilot professional-grade ROVs—underwater drones—to explore local reefs, artificial structures, and marine ecosystems along the Gulf Coast. Recognizing the incredible potential of this opportunity, Seacoast launched its Underwater ROV Team in August 2025.

Since then, students have been actively engaged in field missions, developing advanced piloting skills, strengthening communication and teamwork, and tackling real-world challenges. Using tools such as photogrammetry, students create detailed 3D models of underwater structures and habitats. These models, along with the data they collect, provide valuable scientific information that can be shared and published for researchers, conservation groups, and the broader community to use in a wide variety of applications.

At its core, the program is designed to inspire students to consider future careers in marine science, underwater technology, environmental management, and related industries. It also fosters a strong sense of environmental stewardship, encouraging students to understand and protect the ecosystems they are exploring.

Highlights from this inaugural year include a trip to the 2025 Workboat Show – Underwater Intervention in New Orleans, participation in Seacoast’s Careers on Campus event (including a field experience piloting a professional ROV at Morrison Springs with Deep Trekker), and volunteer work with CBA to help community members construct hanging oyster gardens.

Looking ahead, Seacoast students are excited to continue their collaboration with ECDC, working toward the creation of a virtual tour of the Underwater Museum of Art. This project will showcase not only the structures themselves but also the vibrant marine life that inhabits them—bringing the underwater world to the surface for the entire community to experience.