Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai, Western Cape, has opened a Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) endorsed Marine Guiding Training School for both local and international students.
The seven-week course covers comprehensive theory on the Marine Big Five of the area, namely, sharks, whales, dolphins, seals and penguins, as well as seabirds.
Practical experience involves shadowing on-board guides educating guests on off-shore tours, rocky shore and dune walking, aquarium guiding, birding and marine conservation.
The winter course will commence on July 30. Accommodation is provided, and lectures take place at the International Marine Volunteer Centre.
Marine Dynamics offers five-star shark-cage diving and whale watching/eco tours with its sister company, Dyer Island Cruises, in the Dyer Island ecosystem of Gansbaai. The companies have been Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) certified since 2008 and, according to FTT, have been making a significant difference in conservation and the community through their environmental project, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust.
The Marine Guiding Training School is supported by FTT, who said in a statement: “This new initiative is indicative of Marine Dynamics’ advocacy of the Fair Trade Principles to support skills training at all levels in the tourism industry, but particularly when it relates to the sensitive marine environment.
“Marine Dynamics’ responsible tourism approach has been recognised through case studies and awards, notably the African/World Responsible Tourism Award, SKÅL Sustainable Tourism Award and Lilizela. Guiding students will have the opportunity to learn from these businesses and their conservation work.”
