About DISCOVERY Yachts & Fleet Purpose
The International SeaKeepers Society is extremely grateful for the many different types of vessels which participate in our DISCOVERY Yacht Program and comprise the Fleet. The program’s existence is through the generous support of private vessels which are made available for scientist-led expeditions, citizen science, educational outreach events and community engagement activities. SeaKeepers collaborates with numerous organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies in order to accomplish its DISCOVERY Yacht missions. SeaKeepers staff work closely with yacht owners and crew to coordinate research and outreach activities that reflect each yacht owner’s ocean-related interests. SeaKeepers supports a wide variety of programming.
For Scientists
For Vessel Owners
Join the DISCOVERY Yacht Program
Year-round, SeaKeepers DISCOVERY Yacht Program is our foremost initiative in accomplishing our mission and goals, facilitating programming by providing access to the ocean for research, scientific discovery, community engagement, educational outreach and citizen science. From hosting learning excursions for underprivileged kids to facilitating scientific research for genome sequencing, yachts are the platform to enable accomplishments. To match continued demand for oceanographic research and education at sea, we are always in need of more vessels. By filling out the form below you provide us with essential information for matching an expedition to your interests and vessel capabilities. Once we review your application, we will reach out to you with more specifics about the program and possible projects that may be a good match. Donate time on your vessel and become a DISCOVERY Yacht Member.
Programming Categories for Participation
For over 20 years, SeaKeepers has invested in protecting the environment by uniting the yachting community, with research and educational organizations. Member yachts, are united with experts and educators in the marine science and oceanography fields to facilitate research and promote learning around marine science issues. Programming is comprised of four main areas: Scientist-led Expeditions; Citizen Science & Instrument Deployment; Educational Outreach; and Shoreline Community Engagement.
Scientist-led Expeditions
Scientific expeditions provide yacht owners, guests, and crew the opportunity to participate in ongoing research while engaging with influential, well-known marine scientists.
Citizen Science and Instrument Deployment
These expeditions do not require scientists to be aboard, but they permit vessel owners and crew to participate in ongoing research projects which depend on the participation of non-scientists within the community.
Educational Outreach Events
Educational outreach events have focused around marine wildlife, instrument deployments, plastic pollution, sustainability practices, and more.
Community Engagement Activities
SeaKeepers shares its mission of ocean research and conservation with local communities throughout the year.Need a Vessel for a Research Project?
The SeaKeepers DISCOVERY Yacht program provides marine scientists with a unique and cost-effective platform for at-sea research by placing researchers on privately owned vessels to conduct oceanographic research. SeaKeepers is committed to promoting ocean research, education, and conservation. We are looking for high-impact projects that support our mission, foster scientific collaboration, and stimulate further exploration.
If you are needing a vessel for research and /or educational projects, please submit your information and a team member will follow up.
For each expedition, a scientist is paired with a vessel that can meet the research expedition’s needs, including location, itinerary, and vessel specifications as outlined in the research proposal. The yacht owner’s scientific interests are also taken into account when pairing scientists and their projects with DISCOVERY vessels. Therefore, it is important that submitted proposals speak to the scientific significance of the project, the outreach and broader impact potential, and the proposed involvement of the owners, guests, and crew on board.
Our Mission
The International SeaKeepers Society promotes oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and raise awareness about global ocean issues.