About This Course

The Whale-Safe Boating Course is aimed at recreational boaters (motorized and non-motorized) on the coast of British Columbia. This free, 90-minute course provides important information on how boaters can keep themselves safe and better protect marine mammals.

The Importance of Whale-Safe Boating.

Safe. Legal. Responsible.

For motorized and non-motorized vessel operators.

Helping boaters and reducing threats
to marine mammals.

About

About MERS

The Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) is dedicated to promoting conservation and understanding of marine ecosystems through scientific research, environmental education, and marine wildlife response. We are privileged to be based in the Territories the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw (the Kwak̕wala-speaking Peoples) and respect their ongoing knowledge and stewardship of these lands and waters.

Learn more at www.mersociety.org

  • Course Content Includes

  • Indicators of marine mammal presence and how to avoid collision

  • Laws to reduce disturbance to marine mammals and why they exist

  • Best practices to reduce disturbance re. fishing, noise, social media, alerting other boaters

  • Value of reporting - sightings; violations of the laws; dead, injured, or distressed marine mammals

  • Enrichment Module: Marine Mammals of the BC Coast - identification, behaviour, and threats