The “See A Spout? Watch Out!” program is a course aimed to prepare boaters and sailors in the Greater Atlantic (Maine through Virginia), West Coast, and Hawaiian Island regions on how to safely navigate through waters shared with protected marine species, especially large whales, for the safety and well-being of both boaters and marine species. We are honored to be a program partner for the course, as we aim to educate more and more of our community about how best to navigate safely around the whales of the SBCWHA.
See A Spout’s tips will help you remember safe operational procedures and whale-watching guidelines that will allow for a safer experience and help you view whales while respecting federal whale protection laws.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Utilize available resources to prepare for a trip at sea
- Identify commonly seen whale species along the US West Coast and be familiar with their behavior
- Put safe whale watching guidelines to practice while at sea
- Keep a safe distance between your boat and whales
- Know what to document and who to call if you encounter a whale in distress
- Share what you’ve learned with other boaters
The newly updated WEST COAST BOATING COURSE is online now!
ALL marine mammals are protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Some threatened and endangered marine mammal species are also protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Both of these Acts prohibit the harassment of whales, defined as any action that has the potential to injure or disturb their natural behaviors.
Check out the “West Coast 5 Tips to Know Before You Go” video, created by our own media director, Adam Ernster, down below.
Register HERE for the course and be sure to share the course with your fellow boaters!