4.2 General Requirements

4.2.1 Autonomy

When competing in the different challenges, teams will not be allowed to to actively control the vessel remotely. In other words, the vessel must be fully autonomous while competing in the different categories. The sole exceptions to this are when switching the vessel into ‘autonomous mode’, and when activating the kill switch in case of emergency.

4.2.2 Buoyancy and stability

The vessel must be positively buoyant and stable enough to be determined seaworthy.

4.2.3 Remote Control Capabilities

Participating ships must be able to be remotely controlled from land in case of a malfunction or emergency. The vessel will also be remotely operated during launch and recovery, as well as between challenges. All forms of propulsion and steering must be remotely controllable.

4.2.4 Launching

Participating ships must be able to be launched and recovered by crane. Therefore teams must clearly mark the centre of gravity on the hull to simplify the lifting operation, and have incorporated either anchor points or space for lifting slings.

4.2.5 Kill Switch

Participating ships must have a clearly visible and accessible kill switch physically on board the ship, which disengages all motorized moving parts. Additionally, there must be a remotely controllable kill switch with the same function.

Teams must also implement a “naturally off system with delay”. This should function in a way that turns off all autonomous movement after a team has lost radio communication with their vessel for 60 seconds. This is an extra safety in case one loses radio communication.

4.2.6 Marking

All sharp, pointy, moving or other sensitive parts must be covered and marked.