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The PSO course syllabus includes the elements required under NTL 2012-JOINT-G02. The full syllabus covers the following topics:
Introduction to marine mammals -
- taxonomy
- biological functions including senses and vocalisations
- issues affecting marine mammals, including acoustic disturbance
- potential effects of acoustic disturbance
Legislation -
- Marine Mammal Protection Act and how this relates to seismic acquisition, including Small Take Regulations
- Endangered Species Act, including listed species, and how this relates to seismic acquisition
- National Environment Policy Act
Introduction to seismic surveys -
- principles - basic theory and aims of seismic surveying
- practice - operational procedures and equipment
- types of survey - site, 2D, 3D, 4D, 4C, OBC, VSP, multi azimuth, wide azimuth, rich azimuth
- overview of seismic acquisition in the Gulf of Mexico
Requirements of the Notice to Lessees (NTL 2012-JOINT-G02) -
- application - where the NTL applies
- definitions - exclusion zone, whales, dolphins
- ramp-up - requirement for and how to achieve, use of the mitigation gun, daylight silent periods
- shut-down - requirement for and conditions for recommencing operations
- visual observations - requirement for, personnel used, conditions regarding length of watch etc.
- borehole seismic - silent periods
- reporting - items that must be included in report, submission schedule, submission address
- passive acoustic monitoring - use during reduced visibility
The role of the Protected Species Observer -
- legal requirement for Protected Species Observer and his/ her function
- assigned duties, including what can and cannot be asked of the observer
- monitoring marine mammal presence
- provision of advice on compliance with mitigation measures
- monitoring compliance with mitigation measures, including integrity
- pre-survey and mobilisation meetings
- personnel involved - interaction with the Protected Species Observer
- authority of Protected Species Observer to call for shut-down
- reporting, including reporting of violations and coercion
- situations that may be encountered and how to deal with these, including professional behavior
Data collection and reporting requirements -
- recording forms - use of JNCC recording forms or suitable alternative
- demonstration of use of recording forms
- practice examples of recording forms
- other information to report
- submission of reports - routine reports and shut-down reports
Cues and search methods for marine mammals and sea turtles -
- choosing an observation position
- how to maintain awareness of when visual observations are required
- scanning
- visual cues
- influence of weather
- communication with crew
- interpretation of navigation screens
Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) -
- advantages and disadvantages
- types of PAM systems - towed arrays and static buoys
- range estimation
- software - IFAW, Pamguard
- using PAM for mitigation
- reporting PAM data
Identification of marine mammals and sea turtles -
- identification guides
- features used in identification of cetaceans
- features used in identification of sea turtles
- demonstration of identification features of species that may be encountered
Post-training support for MMOs, which could include -
- answering any questions that may arise
- review of report(s) (optional)
For further information see:
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