JNCC-recognised MMO training course

This Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training course introduces the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) guidelines for geophysical surveys, piling and explosives operations. The course content aims to equip MMOs with all the necessary knowledge to fulfill this role effectively, including the implementation of the JNCC guidelines, the reporting requirements and the identification of marine mammals. Running for more than twenty five years, the course is continually updated to reflect current knowledge and practice. It has been reviewed and accepted by the JNCC. The JNCC MMO course is a requirement for anyone working as an MMO in UK waters.

The course is delivered remotely by Zoom over 1.5 days.  Groups may also arrange an in-person classroom course.  A distance learning version of the course is also available for those who prefer to work through the content at their own pace.

Bookings for the next course - remote delivery by Zoom

JNCC MMO course content

Who is the course for?

Course schedule


Bookings for the next course - remote delivery by Zoom

Dates:
17th & 18th March, 2025 (1.5 days)

Times:
9:00am-5:00pm day 1
9:00am-1:00pm day 2
Online assessment at delegate's convenience
(All times UK time - GMT)

Delivery:
Zoom

Cost:
£150 (discounts for students/recent graduates, groups, or combined MMO and PSO courses)

The course is delivered remotely by Zoom over 1.5 days, with live sessions comprising a mix of lectures and exercises. The final multiple-choice assessment is done online after the course at delegates’ convenience. You will receive a comprehensive resource pack and each delegate gets individual written feedback on exercises and the assessment. Spaces are limited to maximise opportunity for questions/discussion and involvement in exercises. 

You will need:
A laptop/ PC (a phone screen is not suitable for viewing the presentation or completing exercises) with a good, reliable internet connection. You will also need Microsoft Word and/or Excel.

To book a place please return the registration form for your chosen dates to info@carolynbarton.co.uk . 

JNCC MMO course content

The following gives a brief outline to the topics covered on the course:
  • Introduction to marine mammals - an introduction to marine mammal groups, the importance of hearing and vocal communication.
  • Sound in the seas - sources of sound in the sea, the potential effects of noise on marine mammals.
  • Activities that require mitigation - introduction to geophysical surveys, piling, use of explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance.
  • Legislation - legal protection in the UK for cetaceans, seals and other marine megafauna, licensing of activities, EPS and wildlife licences.
  • JNCC guidelines - background, detailed examination of the JNCC guidelines (for geophysical surveys, piling, use of explosives and UXO clearance), requirements for planning, mitigation and reporting.
  • Data recording - the MMO Report, use of the Marine Mammal Recording Forms.
  • Visual monitoring - visual monitoring methods, cues to detect marine mammals, distance estimation.
  • Introduction to Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)  - basic principles of PAM, JNCC PAM guidance.
  • Working as an MMO/PAM Operator - the role of the MMO/PAM Operator, practicalities and life at sea.
  • Identification of marine mammals - how to identify marine mammals, identification features of species in UK waters.
  • Assessment - multiple choice and drag-and-drop questions. Pass mark 80% (as set by JNCC). If you do not pass first time you will be able to review your answers to see where you need to focus your study before re-sitting the assessment.
  • Resources - delegates can download a comprehensive digital resource pack covering the content of the course. Post-training support is available.

Who is the course for?

The JNCC-recognised MMO course is a requirement for personnel who will be acting as Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) or Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators in UK waters (PAM operators will also need to have some form of PAM training), although anyone with an interest in the JNCC guidelines or working as an MMO can do the course. There are no prerequisites for attending the MMO course, but delegates with some prior marine mammal experience or other environmental/scientific/seagoing experience are most likely to be successful in obtaining work as an MMO. Delegates with enthusiasm but without a relevant background who wish to work as MMOs should seek to gain some experience after the course; there are many marine mammal projects that welcome volunteers. Those in managerial positions in the offshore industries may benefit from attending the course to learn about the mitigation requirements that may apply to their projects.

The course is presented in English, so delegates should have sufficient understanding of the English language to follow the presentation and complete the practice examples.

Please note that to work as an MMO offshore you will need appropriate offshore survival and medical fitness certificates. See Links for further information on centres that provide these.

Course schedule

Remote delivery:
Courses delivered remotely by Zoom are scheduled approximately once a month. Live sessions are presented over 1.5 days, with a final assessment online after the course at delegates’ convenience. Please contact us if you want to be included on a mailing list to be informed of dates of future courses.

Private group courses:
Groups (minimum 3 people) can arrange a private course with remote delivery on dates to suit them. Alternatively, classroom courses for groups can be held at a venue of your choice. Please contact us for group rates and to arrange suitable dates.

Online e-learning course:
This is available at any time - see JNCC MMO e-learning for more information.

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