Join Us Onboard

HWDT conducts cetacean surveys throughout the summer season from on board our research yacht Silurian.

Every year we welcome onboard enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to contribute directly to our research work. Volunteers in effect become marine mammal scientists for the duration of the survey, living and working onboard the vessel, assisting with day-to-day running, as well as working together as a team to carry out cetacean surveys.  To find out more about the research onboard please click here. 

Volunteers will assist in the collection of data with full cetacean and sea bird identification training provided.  Acoustic and visual methods are combined to produce comprehensive data sets.  Photographs will be taken of bottlenose dolphin, minke whale and orca dorsal fins to try and identify the individual, gaining a better understanding of its movements and interactions with other individuals.  The data collected, and subsequent information produced, is essential when monitoring the distribution, relative abundance and habitat preference of cetacean species in the Hebrides. Only with coherent data can effective conservation and management strategies be designed to enable long-term protection of the species found in our waters.

As a volunteer onboard Silurian, you will have the opportunity to see at first hand the amazing variety of marine wildlife Britain has to offer including whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sharks and seabirds. You will explore some of the remotest, wildest parts of the British Isles, usually anchoring for the night in a secluded bay off one of the many islands and venturing ashore to explore.  The opportunity to gain sailing experience is also available, although no certificates are issued.

Rendezvous location varies between Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull, and Kyle of Lochalsh, next to the Skye Bridge.  More information on specific surveys will be provided on request. There is a monetary value attached to participating, prices range between £850 and £1,150 - this includes accommodation (onboard) and food through out the duration.  The income generated allows HWDT to continue its well established research programme, you can be assured that without your contribution the research couldn't be undertaken. 

2010 survey dates and costs

• 19th - 22nd May (student survey)
  

• 7th - 17th June (FULL)
  

• 12th - 18th July

• 10th - 20th August

• 7th - 15th September

The Earthwatch Institute also market HWDT cetacean research surveys, please click here for more available dates.

Please contact the volunteer coordinator if you have any questions about the survey.  Moreover, if you would like to join please fill out an application form.

Please note that this is a scientific marine survey and not a whale watching trip.