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.
The 2025 patch contest opens November 5, 2024. Click here for contest Entry Form and Official Rules. Contest closes February 1, 2025.
You can submit your design online or by mailing it in.
In 2025, the Corps of Exploration will explore deep-sea habitats across the Western Pacific Ocean, including areas like the Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, and Fiji. 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: Deep sea exploration this year will combine many sciences like geology, biology, chemistry, and archaeology, in diverse ocean settings like seamounts, hydrothermal vents, abyssal seafloors, and marine protected areas.
- 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.
- Community: People all over the world share in the excitement of discovery and live expeditions through live streaming via telepresence, outreach, and education programs.
- 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.
Past Contest Winners
2023 - Marlin Xie
2022 - Selin Ergin
2021 - Elissa Ornelas
2020 - Amber Boothby
2019 - Mihaila Owen
2018 - Bella Miller
2017 - Sintayehu Shannon
2016 - Gustopher Miller
2015 - Wan Lok Yiu
2014 - Krisheree Shimamoto
2013 - Catherine Tadlock
2012 - Madeline Gates
2011 - Emma Tarpley