NORTH KINGSTOWN – Brandaris Maritime, a local provider of marine-related educational-enrichment programs, has partnered with St. Mary’s Home for Children on the “SeaPerch” program, which equips students to build an underwater Remote Operated Vehicle.

The project is sponsored by the United States Navy’s Office of Naval Research and managed by the Association for Unmanned Vehicles International Foundation. The two entities granted Brandaris Maritime to provide almost $1,500 worth of “SeaPerch” kits for 40 students at St. Mary’s students in North Providence and classes at Woonsocket Middle School.

The program is designed to promote student interest in the technology skills that will shape the future of marine-related industries.

Instruction was led by Capt. Doug Somers, an officer with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Program attached to the Naval Construction Battalion Cadets at Quonset Point.

Student robotic vehicles will be launched in the pool of the Marriott Providence on Orms Street on Feb. 26 from 10-11:30 a.m. •