Online Class: Lifelines of the Ocean — A Guide to Marine Wildlife Rescue

Explore the complex relationship between humanity and the sea, as this course guides you in understanding the causes and responses to marine animal strandings. Equip yourself with the confidence and knowledge to effectively support professional rescue efforts and champion ocean conservation.

$95.00
no certificate
- OR -
$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
Start Right Now!
$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
Taking multiple courses? Save with our platinum program.
 
  • 12
    Lessons
  • 21
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 3
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.3
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Picture this: a peaceful walk along the shore, waves lapping at your feet, when you notice a dolphin struggling in the shallows, a victim of an unseen battle for survival. It's a moment that stirs something deep within you-a desire to help, to make a difference. But how? Without the right knowledge, even the best intentions can fall short or do harm.

Marine life faces unprecedented challenges, from habitat destruction to the consequences of climate change. Encounters with stranded or distressed marine animals are becoming more common, and the need for informed, capable individuals has never been greater. This course offers you the tools to not only respond to these moments but to lead the charge in protecting and preserving marine life.

Imagine being the one who recognizes the subtle signs of a marine animal in distress, who knows exactly how to alert and assist professional rescue teams, ensuring every moment counts. With this course, you'll gain that insight and confidence. You'll learn the intricate dance between nature and humanity, understanding why strandings happen, how to respond safely, and what actions can make a lasting impact.

You'll explore the hidden stories of marine rescue operations-how dedicated professionals rehabilitate injured animals and prepare them for a second chance at life. You'll discover the critical role of laws and ethical guidelines that govern our interactions with these magnificent creatures. And most importantly, you'll be empowered to become an advocate for oceanic stewardship, learning how small changes in your daily life can ripple into meaningful environmental impact.

This is more than knowledge; it's transformation. You'll walk away not just with facts but with the conviction that you can make a difference. Whether you're a marine enthusiast, a conservationist at heart, or someone who simply feels the call of the ocean, this course will inspire and equip you to become a true guardian of the shore.

Are you ready to answer that call? The ocean needs its heroes. Let's make waves together.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.74 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,007 votes)

Lesson 1. Stranding, Survival, and Stewardship: A Deep Dive into Marine Conservation

Marine life like seals can naturally come ashore, but distinguishing between resting and distress is crucial to proper intervention. The key is recognizing signs like excessive thinness or unusual aggression, allowing for informed assistance to those in need. 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Stranded Animals; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Oceans Unveiled: A Dive into Marine Life

Cetaceans, the gentle giants like dolphins and whales, harness the power of echolocation and dynamic blowholes for survival in the boundless ocean. Their specialized anatomy emphasizes the profound evolutionary adaptations that sustain their way of life. 27 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Seasonal Stranding Patterns and Conservation Strategies

Through seasonal patterns, we gain insight into marine animals' life cycles, with spring calving and summer independence driving stranding peaks, while fall migrations and cold-stunning pose additional challenges. Understanding these dynamics enhances conservation measures, which aim to mitigate human impacts and foster resilience in marine populations. 27 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. Marine Mishaps: When Ocean Dwellers Meet Land

The vast marine environment, home to uniquely adapted creatures, becomes a perilous place when its inhabitants are forced ashore by natural or human factors, illustrating the critical importance of preserving their aquatic habitat. This lesson explores various stranded marine species, highlighting the delicate balance we must maintain to prevent their decline. 27 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. An Unexpected Beach Encounter: How to Respond

Walking along a New England beach, you might find a stranded turtle, stirring an urge to help but requiring cautious action to avoid harming the animal or yourself. Employ the 'Check, Call, Care' protocol by observing from a distance, reporting accurately, and awaiting professional advice. 28 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. Rescuing Marine Life: The Role of Stranding Networks

The evolution of stranding networks highlights the intersection of legal policy, scientific research, and community action in marine wildlife conservation. Through the collaboration between volunteers and organizations like NOAA, these networks ensure the safe rescue, rehabilitation, and research of stranded marine animals, enhancing our understanding of marine ecosystems. 21 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Stranding Networks
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. Essential Techniques for Marine Bird Rescue

Smart observation, respectful intervention, and safeguarding habitats guide successful bird rescue efforts. Marine birds, like albatrosses, play crucial roles in ecosystems, encouraging mindful environmental stewardship. 26 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. When Sea Giants Need a Helping Hand

Public education and outreach amplify awareness of marine mammal threats and foster community involvement in conservation activities, like beach clean-ups and educational programs. Empowering individuals with knowledge encourages ongoing dedication to these efforts. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9. Unveiling the Ocean's Secrets: The Transformative Power of Necropsies

Marine necropsies have evolved from rudimentary examinations to sophisticated investigations that inform biodiversity conservation and ocean health. By merging scientific inquiry with public awareness, these efforts drive global policies to combat ecological threats and enhance marine preservation. 7 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10. Marine Animal Rehab: Compassion in Action

The intricate rehabilitation process involves identifying distressed marine animals and transporting them to strategically located centers, where trained staff provide essential medical care. Guided by legal frameworks, these centers ensure that each animal receives precise treatment tailored to its unique physiological needs, fostering a path to recovery. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Rehabilitation
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11. Restoring Ocean Life: The Journey of Marine Animal Care

Rehabilitation centers act as critical sanctuaries for injured marine animals, replicating intensive care environments to nurse them back to health. A successful release, governed by stringent criteria, ensures these animals return to the wild able to thrive and contribute to their ecosystems. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12. Ocean Conservation: Preventing Wildlife Stranding

Individual actions profoundly influence ocean health, from responsible boating and plastic waste reduction to investing in sustainable seafood. Education and community engagement amplify these efforts, fostering a culture of marine conservation awareness. 42 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Lesson discussions: What is your opinion of this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
263
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe biology needed for marine life rescue.
  • Identify when do animals strand.
  • Summarize the effects on the animal of coming ashore.
  • Describe what to do when you spot a stranded animal.
  • Summarize what a basic rescue entails.
  • Describe what to do when there's a deceased animal.
  • Describe rehabilitation process.
  • Describe release criteria.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Lifelines of the Ocean: A Guide to Marine Wildlife Rescue
Course Number: 8900139
Lessons Rating: 4.74 / 5 Stars (1,007 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is fully available online in all 50 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in major English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
Last Updated: February 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.3 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Cathleen Chouinard
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

Choose Your Subscription Plan

Course Only
One Course
No Certificate / No CEUs
$95
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate X
Includes CEUs X
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Certificate Course
One Course
Certificate & CEUs
$120
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Platinum Yearly
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$189
per year
 
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 12 Months
No. of courses 600+
Platinum 2 Years
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$299
for 2 years
You save $79.00!
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 24 Months
No. of courses 600+
 

Student Testimonials

  • "It was a fun course to take!" -- Abby H.