Description

Each year the CRRU offers a number of unique opportunities for a seasonal corps of volunteers to join us in Gardenstown as contributing members of the research and rescue team.

The courses are run in the form of an 11-day training placement, and as a trainee with the CRRU you will have the opportunity to learn about the whales and dolphins of the Moray Firth and their dynamic marine environment first hand - working closely alongside a dedicated and knowledgeable team of biologists whilst at the same time providing crucial support for the organisation's research programme. As you participate in ongoing field studies, you will learn and apply the principles of field research design (accompanied by structured lectures and field tuition), undertake training in marine mammal rescue techniques and gain a personal understanding of the conservation issues which drive the research, rescue and conservation activities of this estimable and dedicated charity.

Highlights

You will take to the Moray Firth in 5.4-meter rigid-hulled inflatable boats to conduct systematic surveys of the southern coastline. You will be trained to spot and identify whales and dolphins, and to record data such as the composition and structure of groups, their behaviour and geographic positions etc. You will also take photographs for individual identification. Back at the lab, especially during inclement weather, you will help identify individual animals from photographs, catalogue images and enter data. Your team may also be called upon to help with live-stranding incidents, as the need arises. In your spare time, there are rare seabird colonies, coastal wildflowers, castles, and Pictish ruins to explore.

Travel Types

• Birdwatching
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Nature Tours
• Photography
• Student Tours
• Tours
• Volunteering

Qualifications

The most important requirements for any participant are enthusiasm, the ability and willingness to learn and work under often difficult (but rewarding) field conditions and the open-mindedness and sense of humour to work, live and communicate with other people of mixed nationality and background.

Please also note that, due to the nature of the work, participants will need to be both physically fit and healthy and, as a guideline, should be able to walk along steep coastal paths to reach land observation points.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• High School Study Abroad

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,420

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The cost for an 11 day internship in 2010 is GBP 895 which will cover you for full board (all your accommodation and food costs), your full equipment needs and all associated field costs during your stay with us. You'll simply need to arrange your own travel itinerary to us in Banff in NE Scotland (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1 1/2 hours from the field base by coach) plus any personal spending money.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18+ (or 16-18 accompanied by an adult)

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of max 8

Scholarships are Available

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

12 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU)'s Mission Statement

The CRRU is a small non-profit research organization based in northeast Scotland dedicated to the welfare, conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) through scientific investigation, environmental education, and the provision of a 24 hour veterinary service for sick, injured and stranded individuals. Conducting advanced training courses in marine wildlife rescue, the CRRU also operates the only specialist response team for live-stranded whales, dolphins and porpoises in Scotland, and provides international support and advice to stranding agencies with first aid, veterinary treatment protocols and refloatation procedures as required.

Year Founded

1997