IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, runs an internship scheme involving placements on their research vessel Song of the Whale. They are looking for people whose interest or academic career is taking them in the direction of welfare or conservation work. Sailing experience helps, but is not a requirement – a broad range of skills, motivation and personal qualities are more important. For further details contact Richard McLanaghan or Anna Moscrop at Marine Conservation Research Ltd who operate Song of the Whale on behalf of IFAW at www.marineconservationresearch.co.uk

Other organisations occasionally offer volunteer opportunities and these include: the Sea Watch Foundation (www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk) the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (www.wdcs.org.uk), and the Marine Conservation Society (www.mcsuk.org).

Bearing in mind that boating experience is useful, especially if you want to work with whales and dolphins, the Royal Yachting Association runs a range of training courses across the UK (www.rya.org.uk).

A useful book for volunteers is: Wildlife & Conservation Volunteering: The Complete Guide, by Peter Lynch (Bradt Travel Guides, £13.99, ISBN 9781841622750).

For further advice and opportunities to work with animals, visit www.animal-job.co.uk.

Good luck!