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On Sunday May 5, 2019, the 26 Cornwallis Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps visited the CERC lab to learn about oceanography, engineering, and robotics. This past winter, as a pilot project, the cadets were introduced to Remotely Operated Vehicles, or ROVs, with the SeaPerch program (), an innovative underwater robotics program that equips students and teachers with the resources needed to build an underwater ROV. As part of the SeaPerch program, students build the ROV from a kit of low-cost, accessible parts, with a curriculum that teaches basic engineering and science with a marine engineering theme.

The 26 Cornwallis Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps have completed two vehicles and carried out their first pool test dives on April 17. This is a first for the Sea Cadet program in Canada, with plans to expand within the Corps next year. The hope is to include the SeaGilde AUV glider () in order to increase the cadet's STEM knowledge in general and in undersea technology/engineering/oceanography in particular.

As part of their tour through the CERC lab, Richard Davis spoke to the cadets about gliders and the SeaCycler (learn more about the SeaCycler and its previous deployment HERE), while PhD student Allison Chua showed them our Riptide Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). They also received a tour of Dalhousie's Aquatron. 

The cadets ranged in age from 13-17, and it was their first visit to Dalhousie. They seemed quite engaged and impressed, particularly with the pool tanks and our robotic vehicle fleet! We can't wait to see what the future holds for this group of eager oceanographic engineering enthusiasts and it was a pleasure to show them our space!