- The detail of the scheme is subject to change to respect any regulations – e.g. social distancing rules – in place at the time.
- The scheme is open to everyone but be aware that some of the land watch sites are relatively remote, and lack facilities.
- You will be watching with at least two other people. We will issue a draft schedule based on people’s preferences, and this will be finalised at the start of the week.
- Land watches will only be initiated when the sea state is suitable – this will be at sea state 3 (occasional white caps) or below – and when the wind speed is at a safe level.
- If you have teenagers under 18 who are keen to take part in the scheme, they are most welcome but be aware that:
- the training is pitched at adult level;
- you will be responsible for their safety during watches, so you’ll need to attend their watches with them;
- there is a nominal registration fee of £5 for teenagers under 18.
- The scheme is not suitable for children under 12. Watches are open to all, but under 18’s must be accompanied at all times.
- We will need to share your name, email address and contact number with Sea Watch and your fellow Orca Watch Volunteer Observers so that we can organise the watches.
- We will be inviting Orca Watch Volunteer Observers to a WhatsApp group, with membership restricted to Orca Watch Volunteer Observers and the Sea Watch Orca Watch team. The aim of the group is to enable you to share your experience, ask questions, share sightings etc. You can opt out of being in this group at any time.
- We reserve the right to change or even cancel Orca Watch 2024 outright should circumstances dictate that we cannot successfully hold the event as planned. In such circumstances we will try to give as much notice as possible, but we will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by you. We strongly advise you to take out suitable travel insurance.
- Should we need to cancel the scheme or Orca Watch itself after you have paid your registration fee, we would ask that, were you in a position to do so, you turn your fee into a donation towards the ongoing work of Sea Watch. We would be extremely grateful. Otherwise we would, of course, refund the fee to you.
