MTS ROV Photo Challenge

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In the Field: The 2025 MTS ROV Photo Challenge Powered By the MTS ROV Committee

The MTS ROV Photo Challenge is a new initiative launched by the Marine Technology Society (MTS) ROV Committee, a group dedicated to advancing the development, application, and understanding of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) across all sectors - from commercial offshore operations and academic research to military and government missions. 

This challenge is open to everyone in the ROV community and is about celebrating the real-world work of ROVs - the grit, innovation, and teamwork that drive marine technology forward. Whether your ROV is exploring offshore depths, being tested in a lab, or being built from scratch by a student team, we want to spotlight the moments that reflect the current state of ROV technology and capture the essence of this rapidly evolving industry. 

#MTSROVlife

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS HERE

Why Enter? Get Recognized. Get Seen. 

  • Top 10 photos will be showcased at Underwater Intervention 2025.
  • Top 3 photos will gain global visibility across MTS platforms and publications.
  • Be featured across MTS social media, newsletters, and digital campaigns.
  • Spotlight stories on the MTS and MATE ROV websites.
  • Featured in Ocean Robotics Planet Newsletter.
  • Top 3 winners receive exclusive MTS ROV Committee pens.
  • Bonus: Non-member winner may receive a 1-year MTS membership. 

How to Enter: Ready to Show Us Your Best Shot?

  1. Submit up to three original, high-resolution photos (must be taken within the last year). Acceptable formats: JPEG, PNG, or TIFF. Each photo must be under 20MB (larger files can be shared via a link if necessary). 
  2. Include a title and caption (when, where, what, who).
  3. Upload via the Photo Challenge Submission Form.

Note: By entering, you grant MTS rights to use your photo in future communications (web, social, print). Credit will be given when possible, but not guaranteed. 

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS HERE 

Timeline: Key Dates.

  • Entries Open: August 15, 2025
  • Submission Deadline: October 31, 2025
  • Judging: November 2025
  • Winners Announced: At Underwater Intervention 2025 (December 3, 2025)
  • Long-Term Impact: Winning photos won't just be celebrated once - they'll become part of the MTS visual library and will continue to be highlighted across MTS publications, social media, and digital campaigns for years to come, showcasing your contribution to the ROV community well beyond the challenge. 

Judging & Awards: How Winners Are Chosen.

  • Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges from the MTS ROV Committee, MTS leadership, and other invited industry experts.
  • Photos will be scored based on visual impact, storytelling, creativity, and alignment with the ROV theme using the official criteria and scoring rubric.
  • Final winners will be determined by a 50/50 split between judges' scores and the "Industry Choice" vote. 

What is Industry Choice?

The Industry Choice Award allows the broader ROV community to have a voice in selecting the winners. 

  • At Underwater Intervention 2025, the Top 10 finalist photos will be on display at the MTS booth.
  • Event attendees, exhibitors, and industry professionals will have the chance to review the finalists and cast their vote for the photo that best represents the innovation and impact of ROV technology. 
  • These votes will count for 50% of the final scoring, alongside the judges' evaluations. 

Note: Even if you don't enter the challenge, stop by the MTS booth at UI 2025 and make your voice heard by voting for your favorite shot! 

People's Choice on Social Media

  • After UI 2025, the Top 10 finalist photos will also go head-to-head in a social media vote across MTS platforms.
  • The People's Choice Award will go to the photo that earns the most engagement and votes from the community online.
  • This is your chance to rally your network and get your photo recognized by the global ROV community! 

Follow & Get Inspired: Stay in the Loop. 

Follow MTS on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to see featured entries, get inspired, and stay updated. #MTSROVlife

Note: Entries and winners will also be featured in the MTS and MATE ROV Competition newsletters. 

Questions? Reach Out. 

Contact MTS ROV Committee Vice-Chair: Nancy Summers | [email protected]

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS HERE