The complete professional guide for the Fire Fighting Boats Competition. All rules, scoring, and specifications in one place.
From registration to the final buzzer, here's how the competition unfolds. Familiarize yourself with the key dates and procedures.
These core rules apply to all robots across all categories. Adherence is mandatory and will be verified during inspection.
Maximum robot weight is 3kg, including all components, batteries, and any onboard water at the start of the trial.
Maximum dimensions are 25cm (L) x 25cm (W) x 10cm (submerged depth). The water hose must not exceed 5cm in length.
The flame must be extinguished using water only. Any other method (e.g., air blowers) is strictly prohibited and results in round disqualification.
The competition is divided into three categories based on age and complexity. Find your category to see the specific tasks, scoring, and rules.
Under 12 years old
| Mission / Bonus | Points |
|---|---|
| Extinguish flame completely | 200 |
| Return to start position | 50 |
| Rescue Mission (Tap 2 items) | 20 / item |
| Complete < 3 mins | +100 |
| Every second saved < 2 mins | +1 / sec |
| Accurate targeting (within 10cm) | +50 |
| Efficient water usage | +25 |
| Infraction | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Wall collision (from 3rd+) | -10 |
| Manual adjustment of robot | -50 |
| Splashing other teams | -25 |
| System activation outside arena | -100 |
| Damaging a rescue item | -20 |
| Safety violation | -50 to -100 |
| Damaging arena equipment | Disqualified |
12-18 years old
| Mission / Bonus | Points |
|---|---|
| Extinguish flames (2) | 150 per candle |
| Return to start position | 75 |
| Rescue (Push/Pull 3 items) | 20 / item |
| Complete under 3 mins | +150 |
| Every second saved < 2 mins | +2 / sec |
| Accurate targeting (within 5cm) | +50 |
| Autonomous navigation | +100 |
| Efficient water usage | +50 |
| Infraction | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Wall collision | -15 |
| Manual adjustment of robot | -50 |
| Incomplete flame extinguishing | -50 |
| System activation outside arena | -150 |
| Damaging a rescue item | -30 |
| Safety violation | -75 to -150 |
| Damaging arena equipment | Disqualified |
18-25 years old
| Mission / Bonus | Points |
|---|---|
| Extinguish flames (up to 5) | 150 per candle |
| Return to start position | 100 |
| Pick up rescue items (5) | 20 / item |
| Transport items to rescue zone | 30 / item |
| Complete under 4 mins | +200 |
| Complete under 3 mins | +400 |
| Every second saved < 2 mins | +5 / sec |
| Precise targeting (within 3cm) | +100 |
| Fully autonomous operation | +150 |
| Efficient water usage | +75 |
| Infraction | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Wall / Obstacle collision | -20 / -25 |
| Manual adjustment of robot | -50 |
| Incomplete flame extinguishing | -100 |
| Dropping a rescue item | -25 |
| Damaging a rescue item | -40 |
| Failed rescue pickup/placement | -10 / -20 |
| System activation outside arena | -200 |
| Safety violation | -100 to -200 |
| Damaging arena equipment | Disqualified |
Safety is paramount. All teams must strictly adhere to these regulations. Violations will be penalized and may lead to disqualification.
A positive, respectful, and collaborative environment is essential for a successful competition. All participants are expected to uphold these standards.
Respect other teams' space, equipment, and efforts. Sabotage or verbal misconduct is grounds for immediate disqualification. Collaboration is encouraged. Photographing or recording another team's robot during their trial is strictly forbidden.
All communication with judges and staff must be polite. Only designated team spokespersons may approach judges. Arguments are not tolerated. All judges' decisions are final.
We recognize excellence in performance, design, and innovation. All teams receive a certificate and medal for their participation.
+ Gold Trophy
+ Silver Trophy
+ Bronze Trophy
+ Gold Trophy
+ Silver Trophy
+ Bronze Trophy
+ Gold Trophy
+ Silver Trophy
+ Bronze Trophy
Women in Engineering
Recognizing excellence in engineering innovation
Computer Society
Outstanding computational solutions
Industrial Applications Society
Best industrial engineering approach
Region 8 SAC
Regional excellence recognition
Robotics and Automation Society
Innovation in robotics and automation
Best Boat Design, Best Boat Flyer, Fastest Extinguishing, Most Innovative Mechanism, Most Accurate Targeting, Best Navigation, Crowd's Favorite, Judge's Choice.
Yes, all teams are judged equally based on the scoring guidelines for their category, regardless of the platform used.
Yes, provided your mechanism is eco-friendly and does not contaminate the water.
No, as long as your motor and entire power system comply with the 12V maximum electrical guideline.
It is not recommended as fees are non-refundable. For urgent cancellations, please notify organizers at least 3 weeks before the competition.
Yes, but the majority must be within the registered category. A minority of members (1-2) can be from a younger category, but not an older one.