This course is offered by The Island Trust, drawing on the experience of its Ocean Discoverability and Ocean Literacy voyages. It will help you understand the importance of the ocean, how it works, what it does for us, what we do to it and how we can do better. Practical sessions will show you how you can engage your crews with the ocean and contribute to our understanding and stewardship of it.

Course numbers are limited to 12 and participants will be selected to ensure a diverse group based on the information you provide below. Priority will be given to those who applied for the earlier cancelled course. Course fees are yet to be finalised, but will be less than £75. Overnight accommodation in multiple occupancy rooms and food are included. A single room is possible for a £10 supplementary fee.

In addition to the financial support from Plymouth Yacht Haven, The Island Trust is grateful for the pro bono participation of presenters from Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, Devon Wildlife Trust, Marine Biological Association, Marine Conservation Society, University of Plymouth, National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth City Council and Cattewater Harbour Commissioners; and for the visits hosted by Boskalis and Sutton Harbour.

Course Programme (which may change)

12 Dec

0930 Arrive and register

1030 Keynote talk: State of the Ocean, actions the world must take now

1100 Talk: Ocean Literacy & what sail training can do

1130 Practical session: Pontoon ramble; underwater video, ship visit

1300 Lunch

1400 Talks: Navies - when they started, what they are, what they do; Shipping - what it does and how it works; Maritime Careers; Economic Impact; Marine Archaeology; Beach cleaning - risk assessment, methodologies & reporting systems

1600 Practical session: Beach clean techniques

1730 Talks: Marine habitats and identifying marine life; Citizen science

1900 Supper

2000 Quiz in the bar

13 Dec

0640 Ferry to Barbican

0700 Fish market tour

0800 Talk: Ports and port management at Cattewater Harbour Commissioners

0845 Ferry to Mount Batten

0900 Breakfast

0930 Talks: Marine Pollution; Rockpooling - risk assessment, methodologies & reporting systems

1100 Rockpool Ramble at Batten Beach

1300 Lunch

1400 Talks: Behaviour around marine wildlife - WiSE; OL in practice - Education and the curriculum, public authorities

1445 Feedback

1500 Depart

Please note that registering on this site only registers your interest in the course. You will be informed by email by 4 October if you have a place, the course fee and how to pay it.