JNCC approved course

PSO course approved by MMS

Next course dates:

MMO course 24th Aug £95

PSO course 25th Aug £55

Open courses run at least every 2-3 months; private courses for groups as required.

The original MMO training course

What is a Marine Mammal Observer?

Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) work on board seismic survey vessels and other platforms where man-made noise may affect marine mammals.  MMOs monitor the presence of marine mammals and provide advice to ensure that operations comply with relevant guidelines (see Links) to minimise the risk of injury or disturbance.

Why do a Marine Mammal Observer Training Course?

The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) guidelines that apply in UK waters say that a prerequisite for an MMO is to have received formal training on a JNCC recognised course.  In the US Gulf of Mexico, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) mitigation measures require that all visual observers have completed a protected species observer (PSO) training course.

Why choose these courses?

Carolyn Barton’s MMO and PSO training courses are long-established approved courses that are regularly updated to reflect current practices. They are short-duration intensive courses, presenting a high quality but affordable option for MMOs.  Carolyn is a JNCC and MMS approved trainer with substantial experience as both an MMO and MMO trainer.  Carolyn has been training MMOs for more than a decade, and is the only approved trainer who has been involved in the development of the JNCC guidelines, has designed the JNCC recording forms and has regularly analysed MMO data to assess the effects of seismic airguns on marine mammals and the operation of the guidelines. This depth of experience enables the delivery of high quality training about the role of the MMO and the practical operation of the guidelines.

Next course dates co-ordinated with SMRU Limited’s PAMGUARD course - see PAMGUARD web site