Each year we offer a number of unique training opportunities for a seasonal corps of volunteers to join us at the CRRU as contributing members of the research and rescue team.

The courses are run in the form of an 11-day, volunteer training placement. And, as a trainee with the CRRU, you will have the opportunity to learn about these animals and their marine environment first hand, working closely alongside a dedicated and knowledgeable team of biologists whilst at the same time providing crucial support for the organisation's research programme itself. As you participate in our ongoing field studies, you will learn and apply the principles of field research design (accompanied by structured lectures and field tuition), undertake training in marine mammal rescue techniques, and gain a personal understanding of the conservation issues which drive our research, rescue and conservation activities.

The most important requirements for any participant are enthusiasm, the ability and willingness to learn and work under often difficult (but rewarding) field conditions, and the open-mindedness and sense of humour to work, live and communicate with other people of mixed nationality and background.

Please also note that, due to the nature of the work, participants will need to be both physically fit and healthy and, as a guideline, should be able to walk along steep coastal paths to reach land observation points.

The research unit providing this opportunity is not a professional tourist organisation, but a well-organised team of research scientists. Therefore, as part of a working team, you will be expected to participate in all activities of the day including your share of basic domestic duties such as cooking, cleaning and maintenance. Flexibility is also required with respect to sleeping arrangements, as single bedrooms or sleeping facilities for couples are not an availability.

Why should you join this programme?

Apart from the support you will be giving the project, this will be an extraordinary learning experience for you. You will learn and apply new skills, experience new cultures, make new friends, and learn much about yourself and others in the process. Students and recent graduates may see this as an opportunity to gain valuable working experience with marine mammals and course credits. So why not join the team in 2008 for a truly unforgettable experience?

The cost for an 11 day internship with us in 2009 start at 895 GB Pounds [for a currency converter, click here]. This will cover you for full board (all your accommodation and food costs), your full equipment needs, and ALL associated field costs during your stay with us. You'll simply need to arrange your own travel iterinary to us in Banff (see map right) in NE Scotland (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx.1½ hours from the field base by coach), plus any personal spending money.

For 2009, the dates for our 11 day programme (arriving on a Monday and departing on a Thursday) available via the Earthwatch Institute are:

Team I: June 1 - June 11

Team II: June 15 - June 25

Team II: June 29- July 9

Team III: July 13- July 23

Team IV: July 27 - August 6

Team V: August 10 - August 20

Team VI: August 24 - September 3

Team VII: September 7- September 17

Team VIII: September 21 - October 1

Interested? Then visit http://www.earthwatchexpeditions.org/Europe/exped/robinson.html for further details, full project briefing and availability of forthcoming dates

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