WiSe Scheme Courses

Hi All,

Please find information below from DOE Marine Division re upcoming WiSe Scheme courses

Kind Regards

Chris Scott

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Hello,

The Northern Ireland WiSe Scheme Instructors, together with the DOE Marine Division, are holding two training course days in 2013:

Wednesday 24th April (Crawfordsburn Country Park) and Thursday 25th April (Portrush Coastal Zone).

What is the WiSe Scheme?

The WiSe Scheme (www.wisescheme.org) is the first and only programme in the UK to offer Training and Accreditation to boat operators interested in the development of the sustainable marine ecotourism. The accreditation lasts for three years from the date of award.

Whilst previous courses have been aimed at boat operators, the new courses are also open to outdoor recreation providers who work on the coast or at sea e.g. sea kayak instructors and coastal orienteering specialists.

The WiSe Scheme aims to:
-Minimise unintentional disturbance to marine wildlife, including cetaceans, basking sharks, seals and seabirds.
-Provide information on the best means of approach to marine wildlife, safe distances and how to obtain the most from the encounter.
-Create understanding of how different species react to approaching vessels, understanding their behavioural patterns.
-Create company publicity (through the website) mainly for commercial operators who are accredited wildlife operators.

The price for the course is yet to be determined but is likely to be in the range of £70 as in previous years.

If you are interested in attending either of this year’s two WiSe Scheme courses please contact:

Alison Archer at the Portrush Coastal Zone.

Tel: 028 70823600
Email: Alison.archer@doeni.gov.uk

Please confirm your intention to attend by Friday 5th April.

Best Wishes

Alison Archer