FAQ
Marine wildlife faces many pressures including climate change, habitat loss, pollution and food scarcity. Human disturbance - even when unintentional - adds to these pressures and can affect both individual animals and entire populations.
Why disturbance matters
- Energy loss: Repeated disturbance (e.g. seals flushed from haul-outs, dolphins chased by vessels) forces animals to waste energy needed for feeding, resting and raising young. This can reduce survival and breeding success.
- Breeding disruption: Disturbance during sensitive periods can cause seabirds to leave nests, seals to abandon pups, or cetaceans to avoid critical feeding or breeding areas.
- Chronic stress: Ongoing low-level disturbance can weaken immune systems, reduce reproductive success and impact long-term health.
- Habitat displacement: Wildlife may abandon preferred habitats and move to poorer-quality areas with less food and more risk.
- Cumulative impacts: Individual incidents may seem small, but repeated disturbance from multiple people and activities can affect whole populations.
Wildlife-safe practice helps minimise these impacts and supports long-term conservation.
WiSe training is for anyone, but more specifically it is for anyone who encounters marine and coastal wildlife through work or organised activities.
Marine tourism & boating
- Wildlife tour operators (boat or shore-based)
- Charter skippers and commercial vessel operators
- Whale, dolphin and seal watching operators
Adventure & outdoor providers
- Kayak and SUP guides
- Coasteering instructors
- Snorkelling and diving operators
- Outdoor education providers
Wildlife & media professionals
- Wildlife guides and naturalists
- Marine educators and interpreters
- Wildlife photographers and filmmakers
Students & future professionals
- Marine biology, ecology or environmental students
- Those entering marine tourism or conservation careers
Community & conservation groups
- Citizen science volunteers
- Coastal stewardship groups
- Marine wildlife monitors
Planning & coastal operations
- Harbour and marina staff
- Environmental consultants and planners
- Anyone whose work may affect coastal wildlife
Even if certification is not required for your role, WiSe is for anyone who wants to operate responsibly around marine wildlife.
- Demonstrates commitment to wildlife welfare
- Builds customer trust and confidence
- Reduces risk of wildlife disturbance incidents
- Supports compliance with wildlife legislation and guidance
- Provides a competitive advantage in responsible tourism
- Connects you with a UK-wide network of responsible operators
Yes. WiSe is the UK’s national certificated training scheme for wildlife-safe marine and coastal operations and is widely recognised across tourism, recreation and conservation sectors.
While currently voluntary, WiSe certification demonstrates professional competence, due diligence and commitment to best practice.
WiSe reduces disturbance through science-based training, practical guidance and professional standards.
Participants learn:
- How wildlife responds to people and vessels
- How to recognise early signs of disturbance
- Evidence-based approach distances and protocols
- Species-specific sensitivities and seasonal risks
- How to adapt behaviour in real-time to protect animals
- How to educate clients about responsible wildlife viewing
WiSe Standard Operator & Adventure Course
Total duration: 5 hours
Online: Two evening sessions (2.5 hours each)
This length allows full coverage of wildlife science, legislation, best practice and professional decision-making.
WiSe Refresher Course
Total duration: 2.5 hours
Online: One evening session (2.5 hours)
No. WiSe courses are suitable for beginners through to experienced professionals. No previous qualifications are required.
After completing the course you receive:
- WiSe digital certificate (valid 3 years)
- WiSe logo and branding materials (including 2 stickers per participant to display on your vessel)
- Listing on the WiSe Certified Operators Directory
- Codes of Conduct and course resources
Certification lasts 3 years. Refresher training ensures your knowledge remains current with new science, legislation and best practice.
Yes. Following the Codes is a condition of certification. They are based on scientific evidence and ensure wildlife welfare is prioritised at all times.
Yes. Certified operators are listed in the public directory (optional if privacy is required).
Yes.
- More than 14 days: Full refund or transfer
- 7–14 days: Transfer or 50% refund
- Less than 7 days: Transfer at WiSe discretion
- If WiSe cancels: Full refund or priority rebooking
We aim to be flexible in exceptional circumstances.
Have a question not answered here?
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