These data may include sea temperature, salinity, chemical nutrients, water depth, plankton samples, sediment samples, and weather observations. During deck watch, you participate in navigational exercises led by the mate on duty. These exercises include opportunities to maneuver the vessel under sail and power, course plotting, and near-shore piloting with charts and compass. In addition to routine watch standing duties, you prepare and present group project presentations. There is always something to see, to learn, to do.
Accommodations are comfortable, but cozy.
The food is excellent and plentiful three meals plus three snacks each day. At least once during the cruise, you join in a general cleaning of the ship. The program combines intensive research in the areas of oceanography, maritime studies, and nautical science with hands-on experience aboard a traditional sailing ship. Piloting, celestial navigation, and practical seamanship are learned together with oceanographic sampling techniques and marine laboratory procedures. SEA Semester is appropriate for students in marine biology, geology and physical science, environmental studies, American studies, and most other areas within the liberal arts and sciences.