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 Marine Mammal Medics (if you’d like to train as one, click here) and 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 high standards of experience, expertise, 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 people like you the basic knowledge, skills, and expertise to respond to a callout and act in 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, you don’t have to be a diver, just a desire to help marine animals. BDMLR also provides ongoing training and skills development to ensure Marine Mammal Medics are as highly trained and knowledgeable as possible.
To read more about how to become a Marine Mammal Medic, click here.
If you want to support our work, but aren’t in a position to be a Marine Mammal Medic or don’t live in the UK or near our coastline, then we have a regular giving programme called Ocean Allies. This gives you the opportunity to directly help seals, dolphins, and whales in need of help, by supporting out work. You’ll receive regular updates and see how your donation is put to work.
To read more about BDMLR Ocean Allies click here.