Marine Mammal Observer Training
 Protected Species Observer Training

Accredited training of MMOs and PSOs for over twenty years

Marine mammals like this harbour porpoise are protected by Marine Mammal Observers who have received training in implementing JNCC guidelines.
JNCC-recognised MMO course

MMOs in the UK are engaged on activities such as geophysical surveys, pile-driving, explosives and UXO clearance operations, to provide advice to mitigate the potential impacts of these activities on marine mammals. It is a prerequisite for all MMOs working on the UK Continental Shelf to have been trained on a course recognised by JNCC.

This course is run over 1.5 days (remotely or in the classroom). The cost is £150 and includes a comprehensive resource pack.

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Marine mammals like these pilot whales are protected by Protected Species Observers who have received training in implementing mitigation protocols.
PSO course

In the US, Protected Species Observers (PSOs) monitor the presence of marine mammals and sea turtles during geophysical surveys and other offshore activities, and provide mitigation advice. All PSOs are required to be approved by NMFS, and completion of PSO training is part of the approval process.

This course is available online. The cost is £180 and includes comprehensive downloadable resources.

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JNCC-recognised MMO course
JNCC-recognised MMO course
BOEM accepted PSO course
BOEM-accepted PSO trainer
BSEE accepted PSO course
BSEE-accepted PSO trainer

Upcoming courses

JNCC-recognised MMO course
January 20th & 21st, remote delivery
£150

JNCC-recognised MMO course for UK waters, delivered over 1.5 days by Zoom.  This course teaches the mitigation requirements of the JNCC guidelines for geophysical surveys, pile driving and the use of explosives, and the role of the MMO in implementing them.

To book on the course please return the registration form to info@carolynbarton.co.uk .

Registration form
PSO course
Online
£180

Online, self-navigated PSO course: this course is for Protected Species Observers who will be working in offshore waters of the US Gulf of Mexico and US Atlantic on activities such as geophysical surveys and offshore wind energy developments.

To book on the course please return the registration form to info@carolynbarton.co.uk .

Registration form

What is an MMO / PSO?

Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and Protected Species Observers (PSOs) monitor the presence of marine mammals during activities such as geophysical surveys (e.g. seismic surveys used in the exploration for oil and gas) and construction projects (e.g. offshore wind farms, harbours, bridges, etc.). They provide advice to ensure that operations comply with relevant guidelines to reduce the risk of injury or disturbance to marine mammals.

Why do these courses?

Carolyn Barton was the first MMO trainer approved by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), in 1996. She was also the first to be approved as a PSO trainer by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)/ Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), in 2003. In addition to being an experienced MMO, Carolyn is the only 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 offshore activities on marine mammals and examine the operation of the guidelines. This breadth of experience enables the delivery of high quality training about the role of the MMO and the practical operation of the guidelines. Regularly updated to reflect current practices, these courses present an affordable but high quality option for MMOs.

Testimonials

"Thank you very much for the course, it was so well organised and the resources are extremely useful."

August 2024

"Thank you for all of your clear explanations throughout, it made this very interesting and enjoyable."

August 2024

"Even though I was hearing everything for the first time, you made it look "easy"."

June 2024

"Thank you again 1000 times for all your help and support."

April 2024

"It was interesting and a lot more in depth than I thought."

April 2024

"It was brilliant!"

January 2024
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