Question:

I want to help rescue whales and seals. How do I become a member of the ORRCA Rescue Team? Do I need any specific background or experience, or is just being interested in marine mammals enough?

Answer:

Attend a Marine Mammal Rescue Training Workshop. Interest and enthusiasm is all you need.

When you complete the workshop, you will receive a certificate validating your membership of the ORRCA Rescue Team. We will contact you whenever strandings or haulouts occur in your area.

To enrol, you can complete an on-line application.

Question:

When are Training Workshops held?

Answer:

Usually over a weekend. Check the ORRCA Diary for dates.

Question:

Where are Training Workshops held?

Answer:

Mostly in Sydney or the Central Coast. If you are able to organise a group of 15-25 people in another location, please contact us and we may be able to arrange something.

Question:

What is a training workshop like?

Answer:

Saturday is an all-day theory workshop where you will learn from several presenters the essentials of marine mammal biology, possible causes of strandings, first aid techniques, rescue strategies and methods, safety, and legal issues. The atmosphere is informal with emphasis on the practical side -- questions and discussion are encouraged in a team environment.

Sunday is a practical session on a beach, where the teams can put into practice what was learned the previous day.

Although the material presented is extensive, participants gain assurance with the practical work. By the time we wrap up on Sunday afternoon, you will feel confident to assist at any marine mammal event.

Question:

Do I need a wetsuit?

Answer:

No. If you already own a wetsuit, bring it along to the workshop on Day Two. If you don't have one, it doesn't matter at all. Appropriate footware eg closed in shoes is a requirement however, an old pair of runners will do.

Question:

How do I make sure I get on the next workshop?

Answer:

Consult the Diary on this web site, or watch in the quarterly ORRCA Newsletter, distributed to all members. Workshops are always advertised in advance, with details on how to enrol. Enrol early: the cutoff date for enrolments is usually two weeks before the workshop.

Question:

Do I have to be a member to attend a workshop?

Answer:

If you are not already a member, you will become one when we accept your registration for a training workshop at a nominal additional fee. Membership is renewable annually.

Question:

What if I find out at the last minute that I can't go to my workshop?

Answer:

No problem, your workshop fee will be refunded or you can register for another workshop later.

Question:

If I join the ORRCA Rescue Team, what happens if I'm called to a stranding and I can't go?

Answer:

Not a problem! Members have other commitments and everyone understands this.

Question:

I'm allergic to water and my back's playing up. Would I be any use at a stranding?

Answer:

Yes! We are always short of dry people at strandings. They are needed just as much as wet people, if not more so. There a thousand and one vital tasks that need doing.

Question:

I sent in my membership application two weeks ago but I haven't heard anything from you.

Answer:

Please contact us if you are concerned as to whether it arrived safely. We are an all-volunteer organisation, and occasionally this can take a little while.

Question:

I'm just so keen to help ORRCA, my talents are simply wasting away. But I have no idea what's needed or how to start. It's so frustrating.

Answer:

ORRCA is a hands-on organisation and everyone is encouraged to get involved. Get in touch with the president or one of the committee members for a friendly chat. Their phone numbers are in the ORRCA newsletter, and they will be more than pleased to hear from you. They can help you match your interests and skills to ORRCA's needs. There are always possibilities.

Question:

Where can I get paid work with marine mammals in Australia?

Answer:

Opportunities in Australia, honourable ones at least, are limited in the extreme. So unfortunately we are not able to help.

Question:

Where can I get information sheets or help with school projects?

Answer:

With no paid staff, ORRCA lacks the funds or resources to assist the public in this way. You may like to join ORRCA and learn about marine mammals that way. Consult our booklist. Have a look around on our site, or follow our Links to Other Sites -- you will probably find what you need.

Question:

What's involved in being a Hotline Operator?

Answer:

This is a great way to become involved in the life of the organisation. On an occasional, casual or regular basis we divert the ORRCA Hotline to your home, at times suitable to you. You need to make sure that all calls are answered. If you are an occasional Operator, you would refer emergency calls to one of the more regular Hotline Operators. Backup assistance is always available. Full training and an instruction manual are provided. For further information please contact the President.