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, 2020 in conjunction with the Multi-Agency Craft Conference.

Why PEP?

You will have the opportunity to show your designs and talk with numerous industry leaders. This competition affords the opportunity for colleges and college students to make a statement to the companies in the small craft, electric craft, and military organizations that are invested in craft design, propulsion, and maintenance. We encourage you to take advantage of this influential audience!

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. Manned and unmanned vessels will race separately for safety reasons. 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 reception 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 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.

Top 3 Winners will be awarded $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 in each class.

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 1-hour Propulsion webinar winter 2020. 

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:

• Manned
• Unmanned

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

Top 3 Winners will be awarded $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 in each class.

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 reception portion of MACC on July 15, 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 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. While the race is open to Students and Academia, small or large businesses, or individuals, ASNE is seeking monetary or in-kind industry sponsorships to promote STEM with the aim of having teams sponsored by at least one company.

If you would like to be a PEP sponsor Fill out this form and email it back to fleet@navalengineers.org

Getting Started

We know what you're thinking, "wow this sounds so fun now how do I sign up?" Great question, see the below for what to do next.

Step 1: Read the PEP 2020 Rules

Step 2: Sign up to be a part of PEP 2020

• If you would like to be a PEP sponsor fill out this form and email it back to fleet@navalengineers.org
• If you would like to be a PEP competition team fill out this form and also this release form and email them back to fleet@navalengineers.org

Step 3: Prepare your game face, have fun and get started!

Click here to download the PEP 2020 flyer

For questions, please contact: fleet@navalengineers.org.