ORRCA RESCUE TEAM
THE FRONTLINE OF MARINE mammal RESPONSE
From whale entanglements to dolphin strandings, ORRCA’s Rescue Team responds to marine mammal emergencies across the east coast of Australia, providing expert care, coordinated response and a lifeline for animals in distress.
LICENCED, TRAINED, and READY
BUILT FOR RAPID RESPONSE
ORRCA Rescue Team members are highly trained to respond to a wide range of marine mammal emergencies, including stranded dolphins and whales, entanglements, injured seals and dugongs, and threatened species management.
ORRCA is the only licensed volunteer marine mammal rescue organisation in New South Wales authorised to undertake marine mammal rescue operations. All rescue activities are conducted under the NSW Government’s Biodiversity Conservation Act (2016), ensuring every response meets strict animal welfare, safety and operational standards.
Working alongside partner organisations, government agencies and veterinary professionals, our rescue team helps triage situations, supports animal welfare outcomes and performs rescue and rehabilitation operations both onshore and offshore.
Every response requires professionalism, teamwork and a commitment to the welfare of marine wildlife. With 16 rescue teams stationed across the east coast of Australia, ORRCA is always ready to respond.
Be Part Of The Response
Training & Preparedness
ORRCA Rescue Team members undergo specialised training to ensure rescues are carried out safely, effectively and with animal welfare at the heart of every response.
Training includes:
- Marine mammal handling and rescue techniques
- Incident management
- Safety procedures & response protocols
- Species identification
Is Rescue Volunteering Right For You?
It's a Great fit for people who are:
- Passionate about marine conservation
- Calm under pressure and team-oriented
- Willing to undertake training
- Adaptable and safety-focused
rescue team TRAINING
DO YOU WANT TO JOIN THE RESCUE TEAM?
We run public courses regularly throughout the year at locations along the coastline. If you’d like to join one of our Marine Mammal Rescue Workshops, you can explore our upcoming training dates and find a session near you.
there's a role for everyone at orrca
Together, We Make Rescue Possible
JOIN THE HOTLINE TEAM
our 24/7 Rescue Hotline is the heartbeat of ORRCA. Be the vital first point of contact for marine mammals emergencies, supported by our team.
JOIN THE RESEARCH TEAM
Rally your community to support marine mammal rescue and conservation.
become a member
Support our work by becoming a member and stay up to date with ORRCA. You'll receive exclusive access to our member portal.
Fundraise for ORRCA
Rally your community to support marine mammal rescue and conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. ORRCA provides training pathways and ongoing support for rescue volunteers.
Some rescue operations can be physically challenging and take place in outdoor coastal environments. However, regardless of your physical abilities, there's a job for everyone to do. If you're concerned about any physical limitations that may prevent you from joining the rescue team, reach out to us at orrca@orrca.org.au.
The team are trained and licenced to assist whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs.
Yes! Rescue volunteers undertake specialised marine rescue training and ongoing skill development. You can view a list of our upcoming training dates in your local area here.
Generally, our rescue teams are located along the coastline which allows for repaid deployment of trained responders to an emergency incident. However, there are many ways to get involved with ORRCA which can be undertaken from anywhere in Australia. Check out our Get involved page to find out more.
Some calls can be confronting, but volunteers are supported through training, mentoring and access to mental health services. You will never be alone managing an incident.
No. ORRCA’s Rescue Team is made up of dedicated volunteers donating their time to support marine mammal rescue and conservation efforts.
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