Sharing Your Data with Project SeaSense
By opting in to data sharing from your device, you choose to share selected data from your boat with Project SeaSense — a non-profit initiative that helps scientists access more real-world ocean data so they can better understand and protect our planet.
What data is shared?
Depending on your boat's sensors setup, the following types of data may be shared:
Environmental data
Wind speed, wind direction, water temperature, water depth, air temperature, air pressure, air humidity, water conductivity, etc.
Navigation context
Time and location of the measurement.
Technical metadata
Sensor type, measurement quality indicators.
We do not collect personal information such as names, contact details, or account credentials.
What is this data used for?
Scientific research
The primary purpose of Project SeaSense is to provide scientists with high-quality, real-world measurements ("ground truth data") that are otherwise difficult or expensive to collect.
Public benefit and education
Aggregated and anonymised datasets are made available for download, education, or awareness initiatives.
How do we treat personal data (PII)?
While we do not collect specific PII (such as name, email address, etc), under European data protection law, data can become personal data if it can be linked to a specific, identifiable boat over time. We address this as follows:
Internal handling
- A stable identifier may be used internally by Project SeaSense to manage data quality, consent, and deletion requests.
- This identifier is not shared with scientists or the public.
Scientific datasets
- Data shared externally is de-identified.
- For short-term analysis, shorter lived identifiers will be used.
Can my data be deleted later?
Yes. If you withdraw consent or request deletion ([email protected]), Project SeaSense will remove all identifiable data associated with your boat from our internal systems.
- Data already shared externally does not need to be withdrawn, because it does not contain personally identifiable information.
- This approach aligns with GDPR "right to be forgotten" principles while preserving scientific integrity.
Can this data be used commercially?
The raw data that you share will never be sold commercially.
Project SeaSense is a non-profit organisation. To remain independent and sustainable, we may, at some point, create derived products for commercial partners for a fee, such as:
- Regional or route-based environmental insights
- Validation datasets for models or forecasts
- High-level summaries or indicators
Important safeguards:
- The raw data you shared is never sold
- Derived data is based on aggregated, anonymised data and cannot identify individual boats
- Any income generated from these derived products is reinvested to pursue the non-profit foundation's goals
Your contribution helps keep the project open, independent, and mission-driven.
Who controls the data?
- You control whether your boat participates.
- Project SeaSense acts as the data steward.
- Scientists receive only de-identified datasets under clear usage terms.
- We do not monetise individual boats, profiles, or behaviour.
In summary
By opting in, you:
- Contribute to ocean and climate science
- Keep control over your participation
- Protect your privacy by design
- Help fund a non-profit mission through responsible, aggregated use
If you have questions or want to withdraw consent later, you can always contact us: [email protected]
Last Updated: January 27, 2026