Info

Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in the marine guiding program and become a Marine Guide, become a competant crew member or complete a first aid course.

This will qualify the volunteer to assist the Ocean Blue guides or possibly be able to independantly guide whale/dolphin watching excursions.

This course is the condensed version of the South African Whale Watching Association (SABBWWA) Marine Guiding course. All of Ocean Blue's skippers and marine guides have completed this course before being allowed to work as a marine guide. Once sufficient experience has been gained, they can continue on to the Nationally accepted SABBWWA whale/dolphin watching course.

The course consists of a self study manual, 5 hours of lectures, 10 hours of practical training, a 2 hour written exam, and a 2 hour practical evaluation consisting of a full boat trip. Passing mark is 80% with a 100% pass rate to date! This course can be compressed into two week stay, but will easily be completed on a 4-8 week stay.

The Competant crew course is new this year and will be available indepentant of the guiding program but required for volunteers who wish to complete the guiding program. The course consists of mostly self study but will include 4 hours of lectures and 10 hours of practical training. The pass mark is 80% for both theoretical and practical portions.

An entry level or level A first aid course is also offed for the volunteers at a nominal fee. this is involving an 6-8 hour lecture and a theoretical and practical exam that requires an 80% pass.

Duration

Minimum 2 week stay to a maximum of 12 weeks.

Start Dates

The foundation is closed from 01 December til 15 January every year.

Costs / Benefits

The volunteers may participate in many programs at no additional charge. Some of the outside activities are given at a highly reduced rate.

Requirements

No requirements except a willingness to learn, work and have fun.