[4] In the San Francisco Bay Area MSI has a mission driving marine education for schoolchildren and continues to receive grants to supplement their donations.

[7] Marine life is often collected, measured for size, and documented to add to a database to continually monitor conditions and overall health within the bay.

[9][10] Other events organized by MSI include coastal hikes, cleanups, tide walks, and voyages for the general public.

[13] Original specifications for the craft had a propulsion system, that could reach 12 knots, comprising two 860-millimetre (34 in) propellers driven by a pair of 250 horsepower Cummins diesels.

The vessel, which can fit up to 70 students, has facilities for several science activities including studying plankton and fish with holding tanks below deck as well as running hydrology tests.