Cetacean Field Ambassador Training

Become part of a dedicated team helping to protect dolphins, whales, and our ocean through science, stewardship, and community action.

The Dolphin Research Australia | Ocean Education & Conservation Ambassador Field Training Course is designed to equip volunteers with the essential knowledge and skills needed to participate in the field as part of our long-term cetacean research and monitoring programs across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.

This self-paced online course introduces you to the species we study, the scientific methods we use, and the vital role ambassadors play in collecting high-quality data that informs conservation decisions. This mandatory training provides the theory. Practical training and boat inductions will be provided on-site.

Across the course modules, you’ll learn how to safely participate in boat-based surveys, identify key dolphin and whale species, record behavioural observations, collect environmental data, and contribute to our extensive photo-identification catalogues.

Whether you’re new to our research projects or looking to build on your existing skills, this training prepares you to confidently join our field teams and contribute meaningfully to protecting marine wildlife and the ecosystems they rely on.

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to take part in our cetacean research surveys as a trained field ambassador.