Become a Marine Mammal Medic

Upcoming Course Dates

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Course Content

Our training course consists of a full day session split into two parts.

The morning session is made up of short lectures and video presentations. During this session you’ll learn about the evolution and anatomy of dolphins and whales, their behaviour and social structures and some of the many reasons why they may strand. We’ll examine stranding rescue techniques - what to do and what not to do, key roles and responsibilities at a stranding and personal health and safety.

In the afternoon we’ll hit the beach to put our newfound knowledge and skills to the test. We’ll practice basic first aid on our life size inflatable whale and get to grips with rescue equipment such as dolphin lifting mats and Project Jonah’s very own whale rescue pontoons.

By the end of the course you’ll be trained to:  

On the day you’ll receive a comprehensive handbook to work from. You'll need to bring: Pen and paper | Lunch | Wetsuit, togs and towel | Sunhat, sunglasses and sunblock | Additional warm clothing
 

Helping dolphins and whales both here and overseas


Over the years we’ve shared our knowledge and skills around the world. Our inflatable pontoons, rescue techniques and training programme are being used in Australia, Canada, the UK, Hawaii, Taiwan and Samoa to name but a few.

Whilst we can’t predict the exact timing and location of strandings in New Zealand, our job is to be as prepared as possible. No matter what time of day, where the stranding occurs, or how difficult the conditions, we’re ready to offer our lifesaving support.

Speed of response is essential, and quick action can prevent a disaster from becoming a catastrophe. We have learned from experience that being prepared plays a major role in saving these animals lives. But our team of volunteers and experts needs quality equipment and training to get the job done.

We urgently need to train more people around the country, particularly in remote regions and known stranding hotspots. We need more equipment and emergency gear, so we can provide the very best care to these animals when they need it most. And we need to be able to get our senior team of experts to the stranding site as quickly as possible.

By supporting our work through a donation today, your money will be used as soon as it is needed. Help us to be ready in advance, so we can save lives the next time disaster strikes. To make a donation simply click here.