Sea Education Association: A Voyage of Discovery and Ocean Stewardship

The Sea Education Association (SEA) stands as an internationally recognized leader in undergraduate ocean education. For over four decades, SEA has been at the forefront of educating students about the world's oceans through its Boston University-accredited study abroad program, SEA Semester. With over one million nautical miles sailed, SEA offers a unique blend of academic rigor and hands-on experience at sea.

Based on Cape Cod in the oceanographic research community of Woods Hole, Massachusetts, SEA operates two research vessels: the SSV Corwith Cramer, which navigates the Atlantic Ocean, and the SSV Robert C. Seamans, which explores the Pacific. SEA's commitment to promoting public understanding of science and engineering was recognized in 2016 when it received the National Science Board's Public Service Award.

SEA Semester: An Overview

SEA Semester is more than just a study abroad program; it's a transformative sailing adventure grounded in rigorous academic coursework. Welcoming undergraduates from all majors, SEA Semester programs combine classroom learning in Woods Hole with hands-on experience at sea.

Shore Component: Building a Foundation in Woods Hole

Each SEA Semester program begins with students converging on SEA's residential campus on Cape Cod. Here, in the seaside village of Woods Hole, a world-renowned hub of oceanographic research and discovery, students embark on their academic journey. The coursework varies depending on the specific program, but the overarching goal remains the same: to prepare students both personally and intellectually for their upcoming experience at sea.

Sea Component: Putting Theory into Practice

After establishing a strong foundation in Woods Hole, students join one of SEA's tall ship oceanographic research vessels to translate their classroom knowledge into real-world practice. Embarking on academic research expeditions in the Atlantic, Caribbean, or Pacific, some students traverse thousands of miles of open ocean, immersing themselves in a true blue-water experience. Others focus on a smaller area of the marine environment, engaging with coastal communities through various port stops. Regardless of the program, all students become integral members of the ship's company, actively participating in the scientific mission and sailing operations of the vessel.

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No prior sailing experience is required to participate in SEA Semester. Guided by SEA faculty and professional crew, students are exposed to every facet of shipboard life, from celestial navigation to collecting and processing oceanographic samples and assisting in the galley. Through a phased leadership approach, students gradually assume the majority of shipboard responsibilities under the supervision of the crew.

The SEA Experience: A Deep Dive

SEA Semester offers a unique opportunity to challenge oneself while receiving ample support for personal and academic growth. Participants forge lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills, and learn to thrive in challenging situations. They also witness breathtaking sunsets and beaches, share laughter with shipmates, and acquire essential life skills such as cooking and research.

One former student recounted the experience of keeping watch at various hours of the night and morning, learning celestial navigation, and exploring islands. While acknowledging the presence of scary or uncomfortable moments, such as extreme temperatures or unexpected events far from land, the student emphasized that the overall experience was "more than worth it for what you gain." The student also highlighted the importance of creating their own fun through music, games, and dance parties during cleaning days.

Another alumnus described SEA Semester as "the most epic, challenging, and life changing at-sea study abroad program out there." They credited the program with opening professional doors, noting that many environmental agencies recognize the demanding nature of SEA programs. The alumnus is now employed on NOAA research vessels and believes that SEA Semester was a major factor in their acceptance.

Research at Sea: Contributing to Scientific Advancement

A cornerstone of the SEA experience is the opportunity for students to conduct field research across natural and social sciences in collaboration with local scientists, conservation organizations, and community experts. This hands-on research allows students to:

Engage with community experts, local politicians, naturalists, and scientists to understand the cultural and policy impacts on ocean conservation.
Understand marine biodiversity's critical role and its threats, including pollution, habitat loss, fishing, climate change, and inadequate sampling.
Conduct hands-on marine research, applying theory through practical data collection and analysis.
Actively study climate change's impact on coral reefs, observing ecosystem health and participating in conservation efforts.
Visit historical museums and scientific institutions and gain access to primary sources that illuminate the historical context of marine environments.
Explore cultural sustainability in marine environments by engaging with local cultures supporting conservation efforts.
Study climate change's coastal effects and marine life through expert-led studies and field experiences.

Life Aboard: A Transformative Journey

Whether at sea, in port, or on campus in Woods Hole, SEA seamlessly blends learning with hands-on seamanship, transforming students' perspectives of themselves and the world around them.

One student shared a particularly nerve-racking experience during a gale, where they were responsible for controlling the speed of a heavy, expensive scientific equipment being brought back onto the boat. Despite the fear and stress, the student overcame the challenge with the support of their watchmates, highlighting the importance of teamwork and shared experience in navigating difficult situations.

Daily Life at Sea: A Balancing Act

Each day at sea involves a six-hour watch, during which students rotate through various responsibilities, including plotting the boat's course, conducting science deployments, adjusting sails, and steering the boat. Outside of watch duties, students can work on assignments, process data, engage in independent research, or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. Sundays are typically reserved for safety drills and field day, ensuring that everyone is prepared to respond effectively in case of emergencies.

SEA's Vessels: Floating Classrooms and Research Platforms

SEA's tall ships are purpose-built for education and scientific research. They are inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard and sail under the leadership of a 14-person professional crew. The SSV designation (Sailing School Vessel) signifies that every person aboard has a role and responsibilities as a member of the crew.

SSV Corwith Cramer

The Corwith Cramer is a 134-foot steel brigantine designed for SEA and constructed in Spain in 1987. Named after SEA's founding director, the Cramer operates in the Atlantic Ocean.

SSV Robert C. Seamans

The Robert C. Seamans is a 134-foot steel brigantine designed and constructed in the United States and launched in 2001. Named after a former trustee and Chairman of SEA's board, the Seamans operates in the Pacific Ocean.

SEA's Mission, Vision, and History

The SEA Mission

SEA is a global teaching, learning, and research community dedicated to the exploration, understanding, and stewardship of marine and maritime environments. SEA empowers students through transformative sea voyages that combine scientific and cultural discovery, academic rigor, and personal growth. SEA programs feature an interdisciplinary curriculum and dynamic leadership-development experience, both at sea aboard tall ships and on shore.

The SEA Vision

SEA educates and inspires ocean scholars, stewards, and leaders. SEA fosters and enhances knowledge about the state of oceans and coastal communities. It also helps shape public dialogue and policy through long-term environmental research, global partnerships, and the continued impact of its students, faculty, and alumni worldwide.

A Legacy of Exploration and Education

SEA was founded in 1971 by Corwith "Cory" Cramer, Jr., and Edward "Sandy" MacArthur. Cramer envisioned a program that would allow undergraduates to study the ocean from multiple academic perspectives, using a traditional sailing vessel as a platform for learning. He believed that this opportunity should be open to students of all disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and a holistic understanding of the marine environment.

The earliest SEA voyages were directed from headquarters in Chicago and Boston. In 1975, Cramer brought the organization and its sailing vessel, the Westward, to Woods Hole, Massachusetts, establishing SEA as a partner in the scientific work of the local community.

SEA has expanded significantly over the years. Rafe Parker, who succeeded Cramer as director in 1982, oversaw the construction of a second ship, the Corwith Cramer, and the replacement of the Westward with the SSV Robert C. Seamans. These advancements allowed SEA to offer programs in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

John Bullard, who served as President from 2002 to 2012, continued this tradition of innovation and improvement. Today, SEA students continue to conduct research, collect data, and contribute to our understanding of the world's oceans.

In 2004 SEA joined the Woods Hole Diversity Advisory Committee, a coordination between multiple scientific organizations to increase diversity and inclusion within ocean sciences.

Peg Brandon, a SEA Semester alumna and former SEA Faculty Captain, took over as SEA's President in 2014. Her departure was announced in March of 2022. The interim president, Dr. John Wigglesworth, was also an alumnus of the program. In 2024 Dr. Richard Hopper took over as president.

SEA Programs: A Variety of Options

SEA offers a diverse range of programs that cater to different interests and academic goals. These programs address critical environmental issues such as climate change, sustainability, biodiversity, human impacts on the environment, and environmental justice.

Some of the specific programs offered include:

Oceans & Climate: Focuses on the role of the oceans in setting the Earth's climate, with emphasis on carbon cycling.
Coral Reef Conservation: Caribbean: Examines the impacts of human actions on Caribbean coral reef ecosystems and explores reef management strategies.
Climate & Society: Explores human-centered, climate-related issues such as environmental justice, sustainable living, and human migration.
Climate Change: The Gulf of Maine: Investigates the impacts of climate change on marine populations and coastal communities in the Gulf of Maine.
Marine Biodiversity & Conservation: Integrates the exploration of marine biodiversity with conservation planning for the high seas region in the South Pacific.
Climate Change & Coastal Resilience: Explores the environmental issues faced by communities closely tied to the sea and the impact of climate change on vulnerable coastal ecosystems.

SEA also offers short-term summer sessions, such as:

Ocean Policy: Marine Protected Areas: Provides students with the opportunity to utilize scientific research to understand evidence-based policies and regulations that guide ocean conservation and management.
Coral Reef Conservation: Fiji: Allows students to study tropical marine ecosystems, their ecological and socioeconomic roles, and how humans affect coral reefs.

All SEA programs incorporate an interconnected suite of courses designed to explore a specific ocean-related theme using a cross-disciplinary approach. By combining academic coursework with hands-on experience at sea, SEA programs empower students to become informed and engaged ocean stewards.

Academic Approach: Interdisciplinary Learning

SEA programs are multidisciplinary learning communities focused on addressing critical environmental issues such as climate change, sustainability, biodiversity, human impacts on the ocean, and environmental justice. Acknowledging that human actions underlie environmental change, SEA recognizes that these issues must be approached from multiple disciplines across ocean sciences and blue humanities.

SEA believes that students of all majors can benefit from deepening their understanding of and connection to the ocean through classroom learning and field research experience. All SEA courses are individually approved through the University of Minnesota's internal course evaluation process. SEA students earn 17-18 credits for a semester program or 4-7 credits for a summer program, which are recorded on a University of Minnesota transcript.

SEA's interdisciplinary approach extends to high school and gap programs, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in finding and implementing solutions to challenges facing the ocean. By engaging students from various backgrounds and perspectives, these programs foster a holistic understanding of environmental issues. SEA high school and gap programs encourage collaboration and critical thinking, enabling students to appreciate the complex interplay of scientific, cultural, historical, and policy-related factors.

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