FAQ

The best way to get involved is by becoming a Marine Mammal Medic. Our one-day training workshop teaches you what to do as a first responder at a stranding event. After completing the course, you’ll be registered on our national database and added to our stranding callout register, so you can respond to strandings and help give these animals the best possible chance.

We understand that volunteers have other commitments. You only need to attend callouts when you are available, there’s no obligation to attend every time.

Once you’ve completed the Marine Mammal Medic course, there are several specialist roles that don’t require medics being on the beach or in the water. These tasks include helping with parking, managing equipment and supporting other volunteers. Every role is vital to the stranding response.

Marine Mammal Medic courses are run from October to April. They are held on a weekend and are a full day course.

Courses are run throughout New Zealand. We choose locations that are easily accessible for people to attend and focus on areas where strandings commonly occur. If you can organise a group of 25 or more, please contact us to discuss arranging a private workshop.

The first part of the day is in a classroom setting where our training team will teach you:

• The essentials of marine mammal biology
• Possible causes of strandings
• First aid techniques
• Rescue strategies and methods
• Human health and safety

In the afternoon we hold a practical session on a nearby beach where the class put into practice what was learned earlier in the day.

Although the material presented is extensive, participants gain assurance with the practical work.

By the time we wrap up in the afternoon, you will have the confidence to assist at any marine mammal event.

Workshop dates and locations are listed on our website as soon as they are confirmed each season. We recommend signing up for our newsletter to get notified when courses open for registration. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot early!

Course dates and locations are listed on our website and are run from October to April. If no dates are listed, we recommend you sign up for our newsletter to get notified when courses open for registration. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot early!

You need to be aged 15 or over to attend a course. If you are aged 18 or under you will need to have a parent or guardian sign a disclaimer for you.

We strongly recommend having one for the beach session. We do not have any to hire or lend. Dive shops in your area often have rental options. If you are going to purchase one we recommend at least a 3mm wetsuit.

We can’t guarantee transport to the beach. However, before we leave to attend the afternoon beach session, we can ask the class if anyone can offer a lift. In our experience, participants usually manage to carpool with others attending the course.

Once your booking is confirmed, any change will attract a $25 administration fee.

If you wish to cancel your place/s, we will provide you a refund of your course fee (less the $25 administration fee) if more than 7 days’ notice is given. Due to our commitment to the costs of running the course, we cannot provide a refund if less than 7 days’ notice is given. You can read our full cancellation and course change policy here: https://www.projectjonah.org.nz/refund_returns/

We receive many requests for internships, and while we aren’t able to accommodate most, we occasionally take on an exceptional candidate, usually one per year. Any internship is voluntary and focuses on supporting our office and educational work, rather than hands-on experience with whales, dolphins, or field operations. We look for people who are highly motivated, proactive, and a good fit for our small team. If you think you could be that person, you’re welcome to contact us with your application and resume.

We are a very small organisation and do not have capacity to offer any work experience.

We are a small organisation with only 2.5 paid staff. All other roles are voluntary and unpaid. Occasionally we seek volunteers with specialist skills or Nelson-based administrative superstars who can help in our office.

Unfortunately, we are unable to assist you with paid positions or work experience, but you are welcome to attend our Marine Mammal Medic course to gain training with marine mammal rescue.