Welcome to the world of human-powered submarine racing!
The biannual European International Submarine Races (eISR) challenges teams of university students to design, build and race human-powered submarines against the clock on an out-and-back grand slalom course. The concept combines engineering design challenge with technical skill development and sets them in a unique and exciting sporting competition!
eISR 2026 Qualification
Qualification for the eISR 2026 is open! Interested in taking part? Check out the For Teams page to find out more.
Registration
Specification
Report
Photos
Video
Divers
Fees
Qualified
FOR FANS
The Challenge
Learn more about the competition and the submarines that take part.
The races are held at 6m depth at QinetiQ’s Ocean Basin facility at Haslar – Europe’s largest freshwater tank. The 200m eISR racecourse begins with an initial sprint through two timing gates, followed by a 180° turn and a slalom, which gets progressively more difficult as the competition progresses.
The Submarines
The vessels are submarines in every sense of the word, except for the waterproof part. Each submarine is fully flooded and the pilots breathe air through a scuba system. Teams are provided with a set of specifications for safety and logistics at the venue, but are otherwise free to design the shape and layout of their submarine however they want, provided that their craft can be proven to be safe.
Human powered submarine racing teaches the entire design process of a product from first concept idea to prototype and iterating beyond to improve. Most importantly, it teaches students that running into design issues isn’t a failure, but an opportunity to quickly and creatively innovate to adapt, overcome, and improve. The STEM industry needs more of these young professionals and these races are an integral part of building them.Abby Lockard, Ocean Engineer and Alumnus of FAU Submarine Team
It’s a fantastic competition that encourages and creates a community of students who grow into successful career scientists and engineers. The challenge produces well-trained underwater engineers who know how to keep the water out of their machines and have learned how to work as a team under pressure.Prof. William Megill, Professor of Biomimetics at Hochschule Rhein-Waal
Competing at eISR is a unique experience because it’s a two-week competition that gives teams time to troubleshoot under pressure. It truly pushes both submarines, teams, pilots to their limits. What makes eISR stand out is its challenging course — complete with a timing gate, turn, and slalom — which demands full integration of the sub systems.Emily Serrano, Alumnus of FAU Submarine Team
The subraces have been a great opportunity to not only express my passion for engineering a cool machine and diving. But have also been a place to pick up valuable experience in working with and leading a team, on the fly problem solving and make many great memories!Auke Prins, Field Operations and Submersible Pilot at U-Boat Worx, Alumnus of WASUB
The eISR is proudly supported by its sponsors. Only through their motivation, dedication and support have we managed to make this event a success year after year.
We value your privacy. We use embedded content from other providers that may collect your data. By clicking "Accept", you consent to our use of this content.
