Participating in boat based Educational Projects

HWDT run week long boat-based projects during which the vessel is transformed into a 'floating classroom' and used to educate children on other islands about their surrounding marine life.

This is a project aimed at anyone wishing to find out more about our surrounding marine life and who is keen to pass on this knowledge to the next generation. Please be aware that this is not a whale watching trip or sailing holiday. If you are interested in trips to look for whales, or if you would like to charter a boat read our Go Whale Watching for more information.

Outline of course

The platform for this course will be our fully equipped sailing vessel 'Silurian'.  The program lasts for seven days; during that week a couple of different Island schools will be visited and the children welcomed on board.   Read about our marine outreach education project which is incorporated into this course.

Your role is flexible depending on what your interests are.  You may be interested in assisting the education team with setting up these activities e.g.  setting up equipment (such as microscopes) and preparing the boat, stocking animals for the touch-tank, inflating the life-sized dolphin or setting up IT equipment for presentations.  There are lots of ways in which we think you can help!

You would also have the chance to explore the island locations at your leisure, as the boat will be stationary for a day or two, while the workshops take place. We can point you in the right direction with maps and ideas.

During the passage between schools, you will have the chance to observe marine life with experts as we journey through the wonderful scenic Hebridean islands. If we encounter cetaceans we will make the most of the opportunity.

The course is open to everyone over the age of 18, but is particularly suited to those with an interest in marine and environmental education.

Course duration and cost

The course is usually run over a 7 day period, all accommodation is on board the Silurian and the cost of the course covers accommodation and food as well as the course training itself.

The project dates and costs for 2008 are as follows:

How to apply

Please read our how to apply pages which will direct you to an on-line application form.