Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About the Camp

What is the Ocean Tech Camp?

The Ocean Tech Camp is a seven-day, hands-on program where Filipino college students learn how science, technology, teamwork, communication, and ocean-based activities can support marine research and conservation.

When will the camp take place?

The camp is currently planned for 30 November to 6 December 2026. Any changes to the dates will be announced through the official Ocean Tech Camp website and communication channels.

Where will the camp be held?

The camp will take place in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Activities will be held at partner universities, innovation laboratories, and selected coastal or marine field sites. Exact venues will be provided to selected participants.

How long is the program?

The Ocean Tech Camp is a seven-day program. Selected participants should plan to attend the full camp, including the final student showcase and Explorer Festival.

How many participants will be selected?

The camp will select 30 college students, who will be organized into five interdisciplinary teams of six.

Eligibility and Applications

Who can apply?

The program is designed for Filipino college/undergraduate students studying in Palawan, Philippines interested in ocean conservation, science, technology, innovation, and communication.

What academic backgrounds are eligible?

Applications are welcomed from students studying:

• Marine biology, fisheries, and environmental science

• Engineering, electronics, and robotics

• Computer science and information technology

• Physics and related sciences

• Communication, media, and development communication

Students from related or non-traditional fields may also apply if they can demonstrate a strong interest in the program.

Do I need to be an engineer or marine biologist?

No. The camp is intentionally interdisciplinary. Teams need people who understand marine environments, people who enjoy building and troubleshooting, and people who can document and communicate ideas effectively.

Do I need previous experience in coding, electronics, or marine research?

No advanced experience is required. Previous experience may be helpful, but curiosity, motivation, willingness to learn, and openness to teamwork are equally important.

Can students from outside Palawan apply?

This first Ocean Tech Camp is intended primarily for Filipino college students based in or currently studying in Palawan. Students from outside Palawan may apply, but priority will be given to Palawan-based applicants.

Do I apply individually or as part of a team?

Applicants should apply individually. Selected participants will be placed into interdisciplinary teams based on their backgrounds, skills, and interests.

How will participants be selected?

Applications will be reviewed based on the applicant’s motivation, interest in ocean conservation and innovation, willingness to collaborate, and potential contribution to an interdisciplinary team.

How do I apply?

Complete the official online application form.

As part of your application, you must submit a short video of no more than two minutes explaining why you are interested in joining the Ocean Tech Camp. Follow the instructions in the form for submitting your video.

Applications sent through email or social media will not be considered unless otherwise announced.

When is the application deadline?

Complete the official online application form by 30 September 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Learning & Technology

What will participants do during the camp?

Participants will attend short lectures and demonstrations, complete hands-on exercises, build and test technologies, participate in field and water activities, analyse results, and present their projects at the final showcase.

Is the camp mainly composed of lectures?

No. Lectures provide the necessary background, but much of the camp will involve building, programming, testing, troubleshooting, fieldwork, teamwork, and communication.

What technologies will participants work with?

Participants may work with:

• Low-cost underwater cameras

• Plankton-imaging systems

• Fish-observation cameras

• Raspberry Pi-based systems

• Basic sensors and electronics

• Artificial-intelligence identification tools

• Three-dimensional modelling and printing

• Waterproof housings and field-deployment systems

The final selection of equipment will depend on availability and the approved activity plan.

What are the PlanktoScope and FishCam?

The PlanktoScope is an accessible imaging system used to observe and document plankton. The FishCam is a low-cost camera system designed to observe fish and other marine life.

Participants will learn how these systems are assembled, operated, tested, and connected with data-analysis tools.

Will we learn about artificial intelligence?

Yes. Participants will be introduced to artificial intelligence for ocean research, including image annotation, model training, automated identification, and comparing computer-generated results with manual observations.

No previous artificial-intelligence experience is required.

Will participants build their own projects?

Each team will work on a marine research or conservation challenge and develop a concept, mock-up, or working prototype. Teams will test their ideas, document the results, and suggest possible improvements.

Will participants work in teams?

Yes. Each team will combine participants from science, engineering or technology, and communication or design backgrounds. Team members will share responsibility for research, building, fieldwork, documentation, and presentation.

Who will mentor the participants?

Mentors will include marine scientists, engineers, technology specialists, communication practitioners, university faculty, and National Geographic Explorers from the Philippines and abroad.

The final mentor and speaker list will be published once confirmed.

Field Activities and Sport for Conservation

Will there be field activities?

Yes. The program includes practical and field-based activities where participants can prepare, deploy, test, and retrieve selected technologies.

All field activities will depend on weather, site conditions, permits, equipment availability, and safety requirements.

What is Sport for Conservation?

Sport for Conservation uses activities on and beneath the water to strengthen young people’s connection with the ocean.

Through sport, participants can develop confidence, teamwork, leadership, resilience, maritime awareness, and a deeper sense of responsibility for marine environments.

What water activities are planned?

The current program includes introductory activities related to:

• Sailing

• Swimming

• Kayaking

• Water safety and teamwork

Specific activities may change depending on weather, instructor availability, participant readiness, and safety conditions.

Why is sailing part of the camp?

Sailing teaches participants to navigate, communicate, make decisions, respond to changing conditions, and take responsibility for team safety.

It is presented not only as a sport but also as a pathway to ocean connection, youth leadership, maritime opportunities, and long-term stewardship.

Will scuba diving be included?

Diving is part of the broader Sport for Conservation initiative. Its inclusion in the Ocean Tech Camp will depend on the final activity plan, instructor availability, participant qualifications, medical requirements, and safety arrangements.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Some planned activities will take place on or near the water. Final swimming and water-confidence requirements will be explained before selected applicants confirm their participation.

Applicants should answer all questions about swimming ability and comfort in the water honestly.

What happens if bad weather affects the field activities?

The schedule may be adjusted based on weather and sea conditions. Alternative indoor activities, additional testing, data analysis, project development, or communication workshops may be conducted when water activities cannot proceed safely.

How will participant safety be managed?

Participants will receive safety briefings before laboratory, workshop, field, and water activities. Activities will follow site-specific protocols and will be supervised by the appropriate facilitators or instructors.

Participants must follow all instructions and disclose any relevant medical, physical, or accessibility considerations through the required forms.

Costs and Logistics

Is there a participation fee?

No. The program is completely free for all selected participants.

Are travel expenses covered?

Travel to the university from home will not be covered but local transportation for camp activities will be covered by the organizers.

Is accommodation provided?

Accommodation is not included. Participants coming from outside Puerto Princesa must arrange and cover their own accommodation.

Are meals included?

The organizers will provide morning snacks, lunch, and afternoon snacks during regular camp hours. Breakfast, dinner, and food outside scheduled activities are not included.

Final meal arrangements will be communicated to selected participants.

What should participants bring?

Selected participants will receive a complete packing list before the camp. This may include personal clothing, reusable water containers, sun and rain protection, suitable footwear, water-activity clothing, and any required computer equipment.

Participants should not purchase specialised equipment unless instructed by the organizers.

Do I need to bring my own laptop?

Laptop requirements will depend on the assigned activities and available equipment. Selected participants will be informed if they need to bring a laptop and whether any software must be installed beforehand.

Will transportation during official activities be provided?

Transportation between official venues and approved field sites will be arranged and covered according to the final program plan. Participants will remain responsible for personal transportation outside official activities.

Outputs and Completion

What outputs are participants expected to produce?

Each team will produce two main outputs:

1. A concept, prototype, or working model that responds to a marine research or conservation challenge.

2. A five- to seven-minute public-facing presentation that clearly explains the challenge, how the team’s idea or technology works, what they learned, and why it matters.

The presentation will serve as the team’s main science-communication output and should be understandable and engaging for a general audience.

What happens during the final day?

The final day will include student presentations, an interactive technology gallery, National Geographic Explorer lightning talks, a panel discussion, feedback, recognition, and closing activities.

Will participants receive a certificate?

Certificates of participation are planned for students who successfully complete the program and meet the final attendance and participation requirements.

Can participants keep the equipment they build?

Unless otherwise announced, equipment, kits, and components provided by the organizers remain program or partner resources. Ownership and future access arrangements will be explained during the camp.

What will participants gain from the program?

Participants will gain practical experience in ocean technology, artificial intelligence, prototyping, field testing, teamwork, and science communication. They will also meet students, researchers, engineers, Explorers, and conservation practitioners from different fields.