A girl walking away from the camera toward a setting sun. SHe is on a beach and is carrying a black bin bag and a white bucket.

Awards & certifications

Our award‑linked learning opportunities all focus on protecting and exploring the ocean.

    Ocean Friendly School Awards

    Empower your pupils to take action for the ocean with our free award. The Ocean-Friendly Schools Award helps pupils explore the wonders of the sea, learn about the issues it's facing, and get inspired to protect it from their classroom.

    Led by our experienced Learning Officer, your pupils will take part in a whole-school assembly followed by a series of interactive, curriculum‑linked activities for a class or year group. By completing the activities throughout the day, your school will be well on their way to achieving their Ocean‑Friendly Schools Award, recognising your pupils' commitment to caring for our blue planet.

    Get started

    3 boys learning about starfish  |  Image credit: Billy Barraclough

    John Muir Award

    The coast is an amazing place to take part in doing the John Muir Award. Discover new beaches, explore the wildlife that lives along the shoreline, and learn how our seas are changing all while completing the award’s core challenges.

    By focusing on the Marine Conservation Society's self-led volunteering opportunities, you can also take real action for the ocean. Simple activities like Beachwatch litter surveys or coastal observations help protect the places you’re exploring and count directly toward your award. It’s a meaningful way to enjoy the coast and make a positive difference for marine life.

    Find out more
    A teenage boy picking up marine litter with a litter picker. He is wearing a black coat and white t-shirt

    Teenager taking part in a Marine Conservation Society beach clean  |  Image credit: Dean Chapple

    Duke of Edinburgh Award

    Complete your Duke of Edinburgh volunteering section by fundraising, campaigning or taking action for the Marine Conservation Society.  Check out our example three-, six- and 12-month plans guaranteed to help you progress your award programme.

    By getting involved in activities like Beachwatch litter surveys, coastal conservation projects, or ocean‑focused learning, you can make a real difference to the health of our marine environment while having them count directly toward your DofE requirements. Turn your time by the sea into something meaningful for both you and the planet.

    Dive into a DofE
    A woman in a yellow jumper holding up a plastic bottle to the camera using a litter picker. She is in front of the river at Festival Pier, London

    A woman taking part in a Source to Sea  |  Image credit: Billy Barraclough

    Other things of interest

    Wildlife A-Z

    Meet the creatures that make UK waters so extraordinary; from the familiar faces you spot while rockpooling to the shy, elusive oddities you may never have heard of.
    A woman with a hat and sunglasses standing on a beach. She is pointing to the left while holding a survey form for others to see. She is wearing a bright orange safety vest with a Marine Conservation society logo on it.

    Find out how you can volunteer

    From beach cleaning to joining our Youth Ocean Network to giving a gift, there are lots of ways to do amazing things for our ocean.

    Check out our ocean activities

    If you're looking for ocean-themed fun for the kids, then you're in the right place! Here you'll find games, activities and fun for all the family.