17 April 2018
A training and accreditation scheme to encourage people at sea to be more aware of their impact on marine wildlife is being offered by Jersey’s Ramsar Management Authority.
Wild Life Safe (WiSe) is a national marine eco-tourism training and accreditation scheme used by UK government agencies responsible for marine conservation.
Two WiSe courses are being run in Jersey next week. One is for interested individuals like kayakers, powerboaters, sailors, windsurfers, and paddle boarders. A second is for professionals operating commercial pleasure craft such as fishing and yacht charters, and rib and dive trips.
Once people complete the professional course and register with WiSe, they are nationally certified and accredited. Operators can display the WiSe logo to demonstrate they are a wildlife aware commercial operator.
The courses are being offered as Jersey continues to promote sustainable eco-tourism, and a growing number of vessels offer trips near or to the Island’s Ramsar-designated and protected offshore reefs.
Whales, dolphins, seals, porpoises and all seabirds are protected under the Conservation of Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2000. Jersey also has a 
Marine and Coastal wildlife watching code.
Course 1 Wildlife Safe (WiSe) Training for individuals
Wednesday, April 25, 8 pm to 9.30 pm
St Helier Yacht Club, South Pier, St Helier
Tickets £10 on the door
Reserve your place
Learn how to safely interact with our marine wildlife while out on the water, be it sailing, kayaking, windsurfing or power boating. The illustrated talk details how to best view wildlife – e.g. dolphins, seals and seabirds – while at the same time minimising any disturbance boat-based observers might cause.
Course 2 Wildlife Safe (WiSe) Training for commercial pleasure craft operators
Thursday, April 26, 8.30 am to 1 pm
Société Jersiaise, 7 Pier Road, St Helier
Course £50 per person
WiSe registration £50 per person (discounted for three or more people from one organisation)
The course covers how to view and identify marine wildlife including dolphins, seals and seabirds – while at the same time minimising any disturbance that might be caused by interacting with them.
The course is designed for operators of passenger pleasure craft, wildlife charter boats, dive boats and charter yacht skippers who are likely to come into contact with marine wildlife as they are out on the sea on a regular basis.
Attendees will learn how to handle their craft while in contact with these animals, how certain species may react to the presence of boats, and ways to ensure marine life have sufficient room to carry on with their lives unimpeded.
Advance booking and payment is essential. Book your place by email or call the Société Jersiaise +44 (0) 1534 758314. Invoices can be prepared if needed.
gov.je