Robert E. Patterson

Sea Education Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to marine science education, oceanographic research, and environmental stewardship. The private company is based in Woods Hole, MA. The company offers interdisciplinary academic programs for high school, pre-college, undergraduate, and gap-year students, emphasizing hands-on, experiential learning aboard two Coast Guard-certified tall ship sailing research vessels and through shore-based studies. These programs integrate ocean sciences, blue humanities, and environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity, coral reef conservation, ocean plastics, and marine policy, often in collaboration with local scientists and communities. The vessels are equipped with wet and dry labs, classrooms, and advanced facilities to support scientific data collection and student learning. The organization maintains a research agenda, contributing long-term datasets on marine debris, sargassum ecosystems, and coral reef ecology, with data accessible to researchers and educators. Sea Education Association partners with colleges and universities to provide academic credit and support faculty and advisors. It also offers professional crew training, employment opportunities for maritime and scientific personnel, and public outreach through lectures and events.

Functions as a College/University

Functions as a College/University