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  • Training Pathway
    • Training Overview
    • L1 – Certified Whale Champion Course -CWC
    • L2 – Certified Marine Guide Course-CMG
    • L3 – Field Guide Course- CFG
    • L4 – Senior Marine Course -CSMG
    • L5 – Guide Trainer Course – CGT
    • L6 – Course Director Course – CCD
  • Specialties
    • Whales
    • Dolphins
    • Other Marine Species
  • Guides
    • Certified Whale Champions– Level 1
    • Certified Marine Guides – Level 2
    • Certified Field Guides – Level 3
    • Senior Marine Guides – Level 4
    • Certifeid Guide Trainers – Level 5
    • Course Directors – Level 6
  • Guide Jobs
    • Job Listings
    • Volunteer
    • Submit a Job

Level – 1 WCA (CWC) Certified Whale Champion Course πŸ‹

  • Level – 1 WCA (CWC) Certified Whale Champion Course πŸ‹
  • Level 2 – Certified Marine Guide Course ( Online ) CMG
  • Level 3 – Field Guide (marine) Course . ( WCA Facility ) CFG
  • Level 5 – Certified Guide Trainer (CGT)
    • Certified Guide Trainers – WCA Certified-Level 5 – Professional Trainers
  • Level 6 – Course Director (CD)
  • Level 4 – Certified Senior Marine Guide (CSMG) (Online)
Home Explore Our Marine Guide Training Pathway Level – 1 WCA (CWC) Certified Whale Champion Course πŸ‹

Level - 1 WCA (CWC)

Certified Whale Champion πŸ‹

Special Sponsered price $39 USD

Become a Whale Champion β†’
View Free Samples β†’

Volunteers & Internships

How can this course HELP me protect Dolphins and Whales ?Β 

In this course you will:
β€’ Understand whales and dolphins, their behaviour, and the threats they face
β€’ Learn how responsible tourism protects marine life
β€’ Gain a recognised Level 1 certificate to support volunteering, internships, and your next training step

VOLUNTEERS & INTERNSHIPS

Love whales and dolphins? Want to help protect them β€” and inspire others to care too?
Whether you’re a student, traveller, eco-volunteer, or simply ocean-obsessed, this course gives you the knowledge and confidence to take meaningful action.

With your Level 1 certification, you can explore volunteer and internship opportunities through the WCA partner network.

Explore volunteer and internship opportunities β†’

E-KO IMPACT SPONSORSHIP

Special Offer – E-Ko Impact Sponsorship

Thanks to support from E-Ko Tours, the Certified Whale Champion course is currently available for just $39 USD (reduced from $199).
This sponsorship is designed to help more people start their ocean journey with purpose.

What you’ll learn (Level 1)

β€’ WCA Global Guidelines for responsible wildlife interaction
β€’ Whale and dolphin biology, behaviour, and conservation
β€’ How to observe respectfully and safely
β€’ Binocular and spotting basics
β€’ Introduction to guiding, storytelling, and conservation messaging
β€’ The role of responsible tourism in protecting the ocean

Course cost and time

Price: $39 USD (sponsored)
Time: 25–40 hours total (self-paced)
Access: 100% online, available worldwide

You can pause, replay, and learn at your own pace.

What you receive

β€’ Certified Whale Champion (CWC) digital diploma
β€’ Downloadable WCA Training Record Book
β€’ Downloadable WCA Global Guidelines
β€’ 1-year access to the Whale Champions community
β€’ 50% discount on E-Ko Tours for 2 years
β€’ Optional listing in the WCA network as a Certified Whale Champion

Where this can lead

After Level 1, you can:
β€’ Apply for volunteer or internship pathways with WCA partners
β€’ Continue to Level 2 – Certified Marine Guide (CMG) if you want paid guiding opportunities

Continue to Level 2 – Certified Marine Guide β†’

E-ko Sponsership Ocean Education 25% Discount if you purchase an E-ko gift voucher.https://www.e-ko.nz/gift-vouchers

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have access?
You can learn at your own pace and revisit lessons anytime.

Do I need experience?
No. Level 1 is designed for beginners and ocean lovers.

Do I get a certificate?
Yes β€” you’ll receive the Certified Whale Champion (CWC) digital diploma upon completion.

Can this help me volunteer or intern?
Yes β€” Level 1 is designed as a pathway into volunteering, internships, and further training.

What’s the next step after Level 1?
Level 2 – Certified Marine Guide (CMG) if you want to move toward professional paid guiding.

WCA Training

  • L1 – Certified Whale Champion Course
  • L2 – Certified Marine Guide Course
  • L3 – Certified Field Guide Course
  • L4 – Senior Marine Guides Course
  • L5 – Guide Trainer Course
  • L6 – Course Director Course

🌍 WCA Quality Assurance

This course is delivered in partnership with the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) β€” the world’s largest network dedicated to responsible whale and dolphin tourism.

The Certified Whale Champion (CWC) course is part of a globally aligned training pathway that has undergone five years of rigorous development and testing, and is now ready for worldwide rollout in 2025.

The WCA has been a global leader in marine conservation for over 15 years, with more than 120 trusted partners across 40+ countries.

When you train with WCA and Marine Guide Training, you’re getting:

βœ… A course backed by a trusted, non-profit conservation authority
βœ… A consistent, professional standard recognised by marine tour operators worldwide
βœ… The first step in a structured, 6-level pathway to a meaningful career in marine education and tourism
βœ… Knowledge that empowers you to make a difference β€” and inspire others to protect what they love


WCA-accredited training means your voice carries the message of conservation, wherever in the world your journey takes you.

WCA Quality Assurance | Global Standard for Whale & Dolphin Guide Training

Certified Whale Champion

WCA Training Level 1

🐳 Course Overview – Certified Whale Champion (CWC)
Your first step toward protecting whales, dolphins, and the ocean

πŸ‹ Course Description – Certified Whale Champion (CWC)

The Certified Whale Champion Course – WCA Level 1 is the perfect starting point for anyone passionate about whales, dolphins, and ocean conservation.
This online diploma, delivered by Marine Guide Training and accredited by the World Cetacean Alliance, gives you a recognised qualification that opens doors to volunteering, internships, and future guiding roles.


With your CWC certificate, you can:

  • βœ… Apply for volunteer roles or internships with one of over 120 WCA partners worldwide

  • βœ… Continue your journey into professional guiding by enrolling in Level 2 – Certified Marine Guide (CMG)


This course is:

  • 🌍 100% online β€” study anytime, from anywhere

  • ⏱️ Self-paced β€” pause, replay, and learn on your schedule

  • 🧠 Designed by expert marine guide trainers β€” combining real-world knowledge with engaging, beginner-friendly content


πŸŽ“ What You’ll Learn

  • WCA Global Guidelines for responsible wildlife tourism

  • Dolphin and whale biology, behaviour, and conservation

  • How to inspire others to care for marine mammals

  • Real-world tips and techniques used by professional guides

Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building the foundation for a conservation-focused career, this course is your first step toward educating, inspiring, and protecting what you love.


πŸ”— Apply for a WCA Internship β†’
πŸ”— Continue to Certified Marine Guide – Level 2 β†’

BOOK NOW
Senior Marine Guide

COURSE COST:

$39 USD ( subsidized)

COURSE DURATION:

⏱️ Time Commitment:
Expect to complete the course in 25–40 hours, depending on your pace and learning style.
You’ll have full access to video modules, quizzes, and downloads β€” all designed to be completed at your own speed, with lifetime access to the content.


🌍 Study Anywhere, Anytime
Whether you’re at home, on the move, or preparing for an internship abroad, the CWC course is fully online and accessible worldwide.

🎯 Start your journey today β€” and begin building a meaningful future in marine education, guiding, and conservation.

https://www.e-ko.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Short-website-Version-Binoculars_0.mp4

ONLINE MODULES INCLUDE:

πŸ’» Online Training Includes

πŸŽ“ Complete WCA Foundation Modules
Learn the core knowledge and values behind the world’s largest alliance for responsible whale and dolphin tourism.

🐬 Cetacean Identification at Sea
Discover how to spot and identify common whale and dolphin species using visual cues, movement patterns, and behaviours.

πŸ”­ Binocular & Spotting Techniques
Practice using binoculars and field tools to enhance your marine wildlife observation skills.

πŸ‹ Understanding Cetacean Behaviour
Learn how to interpret dolphin and whale behaviour β€” from surfacing patterns to social dynamics β€” for safer, more respectful wildlife interactions.

🌊 Applying the WCA Global Guidelines
Gain the knowledge to apply WCA’s responsible tourism standards in real-world situations around wild marine animals.

🧭 Ethical Wildlife Interaction
Understand how to approach, view, and engage with marine mammals in ways that are sustainable, respectful, and conservation-focused.

πŸ—£οΈ Guiding & Interpretation Basics
Get an introduction to professional marine guiding, including storytelling, guest engagement, and conservation messaging.

🎀 Presentation & Communication Skills
Learn how to deliver facts, emotions, and purpose β€” and speak about marine life in ways that inspire and educate others.

🌱 Principles of Responsible Tourism
Explore how ethical wildlife tourism supports conservation, communities, and the health of our oceans.

COURSE BENEFITS:

🌟 Course Benefits – Certified Whale Champion (CWC)

βœ… Expert Training
Receive online instruction from experienced marine guides and WCA-accredited professionals.

βœ… Pathway to Global Opportunities
Qualify to apply for internships and volunteer roles with over 120 WCA partners worldwide.

βœ… WCA Knowledge Tools
Download your own copies of the:

  • πŸ“ WCA Global Guidelines

  • πŸ“˜ WCA Training Record Book

βœ… Certified Diploma
Earn the official Certified Whale Champion (CWC) digital diploma β€” your entry into the WCA marine guide pathway.

βœ… Career Visibility
Get listed in the WCA Recruitment Network as a Certified Whale Champion, making you visible to global partners.

βœ… Exclusive E-Ko Benefit
Enjoy 50% off E-Ko Tours for 2 years β€” only available to MGT students, thanks to E-Ko Impact Sponsorship.


🎯 Upon completion, Certified Whale Champions are encouraged to:

  • Volunteer or intern with trusted conservation-focused partners

  • Continue to Level 2 – Certified Marine Guide (CMG) for paid work in the marine tourism industry

Want a Certified Whale Champion Diploma?

BOOK A COURSE

Still not convinced? Watch our free sample training video:

Address
No 1 Wellington Street, Picton 7220
New Zealand

Phone
Course Director Paul 0064 (0) 297770088
Call NZ Time between 0800 – 1800

Contact Us Β»

Training

  • L1 – Certified Whale Champion Course
  • L2 – Certified Marine Guide Course
  • L3 – Certified Field Guide Course
  • L4 – Senior Marine Guides Course
  • L5 – Guide Trainer Course
  • L6 – Course Director Course

Marine Guides

  • Certified Whale Champions – Level 1
  • Certified Marine Guides – Level 2
  • Certified Field Guides – Level 3
  • Senior Marine Guides – Level 4
  • Certified Guide Trainers – Level 5
  • Course Directors – Level 6

Specialties

  • Whales
  • Dolphins
  • Other Marine Species
  • Home
  • Explore Our Marine Guide Training Pathway
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  • Guide Jobs
  • Volunteer
  • Contact
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  • Home
  • Training Pathway
    • Training Overview
    • L1 – Certified Whale Champion Course -CWC
    • L2 – Certified Marine Guide Course-CMG
    • L3 – Field Guide Course- CFG
    • L4 – Senior Marine Course -CSMG
    • L5 – Guide Trainer Course – CGT
    • L6 – Course Director Course – CCD
  • Specialties
    • Whales
    • Dolphins
    • Other Marine Species
  • Guides
    • Certified Whale Champions– Level 1
    • Certified Marine Guides – Level 2
    • Certified Field Guides – Level 3
    • Senior Marine Guides – Level 4
    • Certifeid Guide Trainers – Level 5
    • Course Directors – Level 6
  • Guide Jobs
    • Job Listings
    • Volunteer
    • Submit a Job
Marine Guide Training