What is PEP?

Promoting Electric Propulsion (PEP) for Small Craft is an educational and competitive program to foster the development of electric boats in the United States. The second PEP competition will be held on July 15-16, 2020 in conjunction with the Multi-Agency Craft Conference.

Check out the 2018 race highlights reel and interview with ONR Program Manager Steve Russell.

The winner of the 2018 PEP competition in the Small Business category was Pure Watercraft Inc, with an average lap time of 3' 5". See highlights from their victorious run.

The winner of the 2018 PEP competition in the Individual category was the Electric Umiak, with an average lap time of 44' 4". See the Umiak in action in the video below.

The Competition

Participants in the competition will be tasked with completing 5 laps of a a short <1 mile out and back circuit in relatively protected waters of Curtis Creek and Arundel Cove. The competition is open to both manned and unmanned vessels, but participation is subject to compliance with all USCG regulations. Additionally, the competition organizers reserve the right to decline any vessel water access if safety concerns are present.

The competition will be held during the "beach social" portion of the Multi-Agency Craft Conference, thus ensuring an audience for competitors. Competitors will be expected to launch their boats from the USCG Yard boat ramp late afternoon of July 15 or July 16 as the MACC in-water demonstrations come to a close. Competitors are required to pull their boats from the water at the conclusion of the competition. Note, due to space constraints, anyone wishing to display their PEP vessel for the duration of MACC must separately purchase an in-water, static, or tent exhibit space.

As part of the PEP program, up to five $2,000 technology mini-grants will be awarded to participants to encourage further innovation in electric power for small craft.

Download a copy of the 2018 competition rules here. Updated rules will be released Fall 2019.

2020 Professional Development

Each PEP competitor is entitled to one complimentary registration to an 8-hour short course on Electrical Power and Power Electronics Basics for Ship Propulsion being taught on July 15 or 16, 2020. The course will be held at at a nearby venue. PEP participants wishing to reserve a hotel room are encouraged to visit this site again in Fall 2019.

2020 MACC

The Multi-Agency Craft Conference (MACC) is an open forum for the exchange of operational and technical information on small boats and craft between Government agencies and the maritime community. Information on new technologies and new product offerings as well as information on Army and Navy service craft, Navy and Coast Guard patrol boats, Navy and USMC expeditionary craft, and Naval Special Warfare craft are highlighted in chaired technical presentations, vendor and agency displays, and in-water demonstrations. Participants in PEP are entitled to one complimentary registration to MACC. Note, due to space constraints, anyone wishing to display their PEP vessel for the duration of MACC must separately purchase an in-water, static, or tent exhibit space. PEP vessels will otherwise be expected to trailer launch prior to the competition, and be removed from the water and USCG Yard following the competition.
For more information on the Multi-Agency Craft Conference, please visit: http://www.navalengineers.org/Symposia/MACC-2020.

Competition Rules

The Course
The competition course will begin and end at the white buoy to the southwest of the boat launch at the USCG Yard. Each boat is tasked with completing 5 laps (<1 mile per lap) with turns defined by the buoy and the railroad bridge (see image below). This short track course will allow for maximum visibility by MACC attendees and safety of those competing. Participants must not approach within 100 yards of USCG docked assets.

Safety
Safety is our highest priority. Participants agree to obey safety instructions provided by competition organizers. Vessels that appear a hazard will not be permitted in the water. Vessels must comply with USCG safety regulations. PFDs must be worn by competitors when on the water and all vessels must carry a paddle or oar. While the MACC reception will be ongoing during the competition, competitors shall not consume alcoholic beverages prior to the competition. Inebriation is grounds for immediate disqualification.

A corporate sponsor will provide a chase boat for the competition. If you are in need of support, you will be able to signal the chase boat.

Qualifying Vessels
Entry is open to any vessel, manned or unmanned, operating with an electric propulsion system. There is no minimum or maximum engine size or power output specified under these race rules. Vessels shall have appropriate fit and finish to appear sea worthy; no “Frankenstein” vessels. All vessels must comply with USCG safety regulations. Gasoline engines, recharging via an onboard generator, sails, and manual propulsion are prohibited during the competition. Competitors will not have a charging station available to them on site. All vessels must be equipped with sufficient battery storage to complete the race. Solar power and/or charging is permitted.

Vessel Classes
The competition will have wave start times, to be determined on-site based on the number of entries within the class. Classes include:

• Small Business (<50 employees)
• Large Business
• Student/Academia
• Individual

For safety, unmanned vehicle entries will compete separately from manned vehicles.

The winning entry in each class will receive a $2,000 technology mini-grant. Additional mini-grants will be awarded based on funds available.

Participation in the Multi-Agency Craft Conference (MACC)
Each participant is entitled to one complimentary registration for MACC. The competition will be held during the "beach social" portion of MACC on July 18, thus ensuring an audience for competitors. Competitors will be expected to launch their boats from the USCG Yard boat ramp late afternoon of July 15 or 16 as the MACC in-water demonstrations come to a close. Competitors are required to pull their boats from the water at the conclusion of the competition. Note, due to space constraints, anyone wishing to display their PEP vessel for the duration of MACC must separately purchase an in-water, static, or tent exhibit space. Charging facilities are not available at the waterfront.

Liability and Photo Release
All competitors must complete the liability and photo release included on the last page of the downloadable competition rules. For minors, a parent or legal guardian must also sign.

Sponsor

Promoting Electric Propulsion (PEP) for Small Craft is made possible by generous support from the Office of Naval Research under grant number N00014-18-1-2275.

Chase boat support is generously provided by TBD.