Education

Patch Design Contest

Your artwork could go on an ocean adventure aboard Exploration Vessel Nautilus!

Students ages five to eighteen (5-18) can submit original artwork to be considered for the official Nautilus Expedition Season Patch and Sticker. The patch and sticker will be worn and displayed by members of the Corps of Exploration during our annual exploration cruises and represent the expedition season for the team.

patch winners since 2023
Credit
Ocean Exploration Trust

The 2024 patch contest is now open:  Deadline is March 8, 2024

Patch Design Contest Entry Form

Designs can be submitted either online or by mail. The winning submission will win a prize pack of patches and stickers of their design. 

In 2024, the Corps of Exploration will explore across the wide Pacific Ocean from Canada in the north, south of the equator to Jarvis Island and American Samoa, and west to Howland and Baker Islands, and onwards to Palau.  Patch designs should be inspired by one or more of these themes: 

  • Exploration: Did you know 95% of the ocean still remains unexplored!? Dive into learning about the ocean across all depths: deep sea to the shallows!
  • Science: This year we’ll combine many types of sciences like geology, biology, chemistry and conservation at seamounts, hydrothermal vents, and abyssal seafloors
  • Technology: We use many tools including the ship Exploration Vessel Nautilus, Remotely Operated Vehicles Hercules, Atalanta, autonomous underwater vehicles, uncrewed surface vehicles, and multibeam mapping sonar.
  • Ocean careers: There are many ways to lend your passion to ocean exploring including science, technology, engineering, math, media, art, ancestral knowledge, and maritime fields which are all part of the diverse team of role models on Nautilus.