Dear Marmamers, Next year, the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is holding a number of intensive 5-day training programmes to become a certified WCA Responsible Whale Watching Guide. The dates of the first two courses are outlined below. *Dates:* Monday 22nd January to Friday 26th January 2018 and Monday 19th February to Friday 23rd February 2018 *Location:* WCA Headquarters, Brighton, UK *WCA’s Responsible Whale Watching Guide Course* Course modules will include: * Cetacean research onboard whale watching platforms (including citizen science initiatives) * Science interpretation and conservation messaging * Communication and presentation skills training * Responsible whale watching standards - understanding boat operators and destinations The courses will include: * WCA Responsible Whale Watcher course and certification * Lectures and training from seasoned professionals, including: WCA CEO Dylan Walker and Ian Rowlands from WhaleFest and Incredible Oceans * Educational Activities * Guide training * Practical activities * Final presentation/assessment After successful completion of the course, participants will be placed on a database of qualified guides from where WCA Partners and affiliates will be able to select suitable candidates for internship and guiding opportunities. Any successful placement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the WCA Partner or affiliate. *Applications* * Limited places available, so early application is strongly encouraged. * Please send a full CV (maximum two pages) and a cover letter, including: previous experience, why you would like to participate in the course and, what you hope to achieve after completing the course to projects@worldcetaceanalliance.org * Applications for both courses will be open until 7 December 2017 and places will be confirmed by 14th December 2017. Full payment will be required by 31 December to secure your place on the course * Successful applicants will receive a welcome pack, including a WCA t-shirt. * A participation fee of £350 is required from all successful candidates, with a 10% discount for students and WCA members (£315). Refunds will not be given in respect of any cancellations made after 1st January 2018 for the Janaury course or 1st February 2018 for the February course. Refunds will be made in respect of cancellations made before this date, but will be subject to a £50 cancellation fee. * Accommodation and travel expenses must be covered by the participants, but we can work with successful candidates to find something suitable. * Whilst the course is open to all, the content is aimed at participants wishing to become marine guides and educators rather than those who are already experienced in these areas. To apply, please email Lynne Burrell at: *projects@worldcetaceanalliance.org <projects@worldcetaceanalliance.org>* Regards, Dylan Walker Chief Executive Officer World Cetacean Alliance *T* +44 (0)1273 355011 * M* +44 (0)7900 471490 *S* dylan.wca E dylan@worldcetaceanalliance.org W www.worldcetaceanalliance.org *A* Studio 3, Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK *The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 70 non-profit organisations, whale and dolphin watching tour operators and individuals in 35 countries worldwide working collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity no. 1160484. * *The content of this e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, be aware that forwarding it, copying it, or in any way disclosing its content to any other person, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the author by replying to this e-mail immediately.* *Please consider the environment before printing this email or it's attachments. *