SSI Marine Mammal Ecology eLearning

SSI Marine Mammal Ecology — eLearning & Certification Credit Only

Explore the amazing world of whales, dolphins, seals, and other marine mammals through our SSI Marine Mammal Ecology programme. This course delivers the theory entirely online — covering biology, behaviour, ecology, and conservation — so you can earn your SSI Marine Mammal Ecology specialty certification (academic credit only).

What you’ll learn online

• How marine mammals differ from land mammals in anatomy, physiology, and adaptation
• Distribution, habitat preferences, and migration routes
• Feeding strategies, diving capability, and sensory adaptations
• Social structures, communication, and group behaviour
• Reproduction, growth, and life cycles
• Human impacts and major threats (ship strikes, entanglement, noise, climate change) and conservation strategies
• Species identification, research methods, and ethical observational techniques

Optional practical training (booked separately)

While the eLearning covers the full academic content, if you want to put your knowledge into action, you can opt to complete practical sessions involving guided marine mammal observation dives or snorkel / boat-based survey sessions. In these sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Participate in in-water or surface observations of marine mammals under the guidance of an SSI Professional
• Practice species identification, behaviour monitoring, and logging observations in the field
• Learn protocols for minimal disturbance and safe interaction with marine mammals
• Use underwater photography, acoustics, or visual surveying tools to assist in identification and data collection

These practical training sessions are not included with the eLearning product. You must book them separately with Dorset Diving Services or another SSI Dive Centre that offers the Marine Mammal Ecology specialty.

Important prerequisites and notes

• Some dive centres may require you to hold a recreational scuba certification (e.g. SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent) before participating in marine mammal observation dives — check requirements with your chosen centre.
• Always confirm with the dive centre you intend to use that they offer the SSI Marine Mammal Ecology programme and can facilitate the practical observation sessions before booking.
• You may be asked to complete a medical questionnaire or obtain physician clearance depending on location and provider rules.

Free registration

To get started, you can register for a free SSI account and affiliate with our dive centre here: Register with Dorset Diving Services.

What’s next?

After completing Marine Mammal Ecology, consider deepening your marine science knowledge via other specialties like Marine Ecology, Shark Ecology, or Manta & Ray Ecology. These will enhance your observational skills and broaden your ecological understanding.