British Divers Marine Life Rescue’s mission is to provide specialist assistance to marine mammals through our trained Marine Mammal Medics, draw attention to the threats they face, and offer solutions for their protection, all while promoting the highest standards of animal welfare.
BDMLR responds to callouts through our 24/7 rescue hotline – whether that is simply advising over the phone about a seal reported by a concerned member of the public or full-blown environmental disasters, such as an oil spill. We have over 3,000 specially trained MarineMammal Medics (if you’d like to train as one: click here) and various pieces of specialist equipment located around the UK coast, and we work with rehabilitation centres and experts in many fields of animal rescue, rehabilitation, science, and welfare.
Over the years, BDMLR has built a reputation for our high standards of experience and knowledge. We also work with overseas organisations and governments to support training personnel and provide rescue equipment to assist marine life in their waters.
Our Marine Mammal Medic training provides our volunteers with the basic knowledge, skills, and expertise to respond to a callout and act on behalf of the animal’s best welfare interests. The programme includes knowledge of marine mammal biology, first aid, health assessment, decision-making, and the use of specialist equipment to ensure a successful response.
Our Marine Mammal Medics are all volunteers and can become involved in the organisation as much or as little as they want. BDMLR also provides ongoing training and skills development to ensure Medics are as highly trained and knowledgeable as possible.
To read more about how to become a Marine Mammal Medic, click here.