Cetacean conservation and research plays a major part in the day to day life of the centre. This three day course lets you take part in some of the work we do, it includes both classroom and practical sessions to introduce the student to cetacean conservation in Cornwall and includes boat trips for sightings work.

Day One

The Life of a Dolphin. the introduction to cetaceans , this includes a study of anatomy, biology, diet, habitat and behaviour.

Afternoon session- One open water dive or snorkel session for non divers covering safety aspects and protocal.

Day Two

Identification of whales and dolphins. Recording and observing local whales and dolphind, which will iinclude monitoring programmes and photo identification.

Afternoon session- a practical session looking for cetaceans from observation points around the Cornish coast.

Day Three

Cetacean Conservaton. Conservation of the species through ecotourism, including codes of conduct for boat trips.

Afternoon session- a boat trip along the Cornish coast looking for Cetaceans.

Day Four

Cetacean Rescue. Work of local strandings group and practical training in live cetacean rescues. This is a continuation on from our Cornish MArine Life REscue training for more advanced research lookin at in water rescues and entanglements.

Afternoon session. One open water dive, or snorkel session for non divers, covering safety aspects and protocols to follow.

Course price £230

Cetaceans are wild animals and we cannot guarantee that you will see them on the boat trips. 

The Silver Dolphin Centre worked with local marine mammal medics to set up Cornish Marine Life Rescue. the centre runs this one day workshop to provide training for local volunteers. The morning session is classroom based and the afternoon is a practical session on cetacean rescue.

Morning Session

A look at the anatomy and biology of cetaceans.  An introduction into the different species found around the Cornish coast and their identification.   The action that needs to be taken when caring for live strandings.

Afternoon Session
 

The afternoon session will consist of a practical demonstration of care and refloatation of a stranded cetacean.   

By the end of the day you will have an understanding of cetaceans around the southwest coast of England, the problems they face when they strand and how we can help. 

Cornish Marine Life Rescue is the local group for strandings around the Cornish Coast. This training is available to all. there is no charge for this training and membership of the group is free.