MI's first Scout ROV Competition a success

The Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) of Memorial University of Newfoundland played host to eight junior high school teams on March 20 at a Marine Advanced Technology Education Centre (MATE) Remotely Operated Vehicle Scout competition

Monday, March 22, 2010

MI has hosted the provincial high school ROV competition each spring since 2006, but this is the first junior high contest to take place at the Marine Institute. Each of the competing teams, representing high schools from the Eastern School District, put a tremendous amount of time, energy, and effort into their vehicles.

Dwight Howse, head of MI’s School of Ocean Technology and competition coordinator deemed the event a tremendous success. “I think the competitors really got a sense of the challenges, and the rewards, of working with ROVs under real conditions,” he said. “What a great way to broaden student interest in ocean technology and a build a new generation of ROV teams for the MATE ROV high school and post-secondary competitions.”

"On behalf of St. Paul's ROV team, I would like to thank you for this amazing learning opportunity," said Terry Hale, teacher, St. Paul's. "Our students were so engaged and dedicated.The organization of the event was stellar from the running of the events, attention to safety and a delicious lunch for all. We look forward to more of these events. Sincere thanks."

The awards were presented at the closing banquet and the competition winners were as follows:

First Place –St. Mark’s School – King’s Cove
Second Place – St. Paul’s Junior High – St. John’s
Third Place – Clarenville Intermediate - Clarenville

Glenn Blackwood, executive director of the Marine Institute, extends congratulations to all of the teams, and a special thank you to competition sponsors, judges, mentors, and volunteers.