Student Connection utilizes the Internet and Inmarsat (satellite communications) to communicate weekly between students and the research ship Oscar Elton Sette. Through this web site, students can follow the vessel's daily operations through regularly posted pictures and write-ups.

Through Student Connection, participating students can track the vessel's position through electronic charts posted on the web site and learn about recent shipboard activities. Cruise instructions are posted to explain the ship's schedule and the objectives of each cruise.

The intent of Student Connection is to bring the study of the ocean into classrooms. Its format and content are directed towards students of the junior high and high school level, though students of all levels are encouraged to participate.

The Sette is a National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research vessel, which is operated by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations, and serves as a platform from which scientists collect data on tuna, swordfish, sharks, marine seabirds, lobsters, coral reef fish, Hawaiian monks seals, and oceanography. The ship operates out of Honolulu, Hawai'i and serves the NOAA Fisheries Laboratory in Honolulu.

Students are strongly urged to participate and send questions regarding marine research to the ship. However, due to the expense of satellite time, students are urged to keep their messages brief and please avoid sending attachments such as pictures. We also encourage any constructive criticism or recommendations on making this program more accessible and easy to use for students.