JNCC-recognised MMO e-learning course

This Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) e-learning course introduces the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) guidelines for geophysical surveys, piling, explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance operations. It equips MMOs with all the necessary knowledge to fulfill their role effectively, including the implementation of the JNCC guidelines, reporting requirements and identification of marine mammals. This course is a new (2025) distance learning version of the JNCC MMO course that has been running for more than twenty five years. It is continually updated to reflect current knowledge and practice. It has been reviewed and accepted for distance learning by JNCC. The JNCC MMO course is a requirement for anyone working as an MMO in UK waters.

"The course provider demonstrates a wealth of experience and knowledge sharing within the delivery of this distance learning course." (JNCC, January 2025)

This is a self-navigated online course that you can join at any time. Once enrolled you will have access to the course for 12 months and can work through it at your own pace whenever it suits you. It is estimated that it would take the equivalent of 2 full days to complete the course.

Registration for online e-learning course

Online refresher training

JNCC MMO e-learning course content

Who is the course for?

Browser requirements

Registration for online e-learning course

Delivery:
Online, self-navigated (on a desktop PC, laptop, tablet or mobile phone).

You will work through the course at your own pace - as a guide it is estimated that it would take 2 full days to complete the course, although it can be done in shorter sessions over a longer period. Comprehensive resources can be downloaded for you to keep. There are revision questions with feedback at the end of each topic, and a data recording exercise that you will complete where you will get personal feedback and support to ensure you understand the data recording protocols. The final assessment comprises multiple choice and drag-and-drop questions; if you do not pass first time you will be able to re-sit the assessment. If you have any questions while doing the course support is available by email; if you would prefer to talk face-to-face a Zoom session can be set up.

You will need:
The course is online and can be viewed on a desktop PC, laptop, tablet or mobile phone. You will need a compatible browser (see below). You will also need Microsoft Excel/Word.

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

To register for the course please return the registration form to info@carolynbarton.co.uk . You will be sent a Paypal invoice for the course fee - once paid you will receive a link to access the course (please allow up to 24 hours to receive the link). You will have access to the course for 12 months (this can be extended for a small annual fee; the course is regularly updated so continued enrolment will give you access to the latest information).

Registration form
JNCC MMO online

Refresher training:

Please note JNCC do not currently require refresher training.  However, for those who wish to update their knowledge and gain updated certification, the online JNCC MMO e-learning course can be done as a refresher.  This is not a shortened course, to ensure that you meet requirements for updated certification you will have access to the full syllabus and all current course resources but at reduced cost of £75.  You will need to provide existing certification.  

Sample pages from the online JNCC MMO e-learning course

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JNCC MMO e-learning course content

The following gives a brief outline of 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.
  • Legislation - legal protection in the UK for cetaceans, seals and other marine megafauna, licensing of activities, EPS and wildlife licences.
  • Activities that require mitigation - introduction to geophysical surveys, piling, use of explosives and UXO clearance.
  • 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 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 all Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators in UK waters (PAM operators also need to have some form of PAM training), although anyone with an interest in the JNCC guidelines can do the course. There are no prerequisites for enrolling on the course, but delegates with some prior marine mammal/biological 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. Managers 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 study the content and complete the exercises and assessment.

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.

Browser requirements

The course is online and can be viewed on a desktop PC, laptop, tablet or mobile phone. You will need a compatible browser; recommended browsers are the latest versions of the following:

Desktop and laptop computers:

Google Chrome (Windows/ Mac)
Mozilla Firefox (Windows/ Mac)
Microsoft Edge (Windows)
Apple Safari (Mac)

Mobile phones and tablets:

Google Chrome (Android)
Mozilla Firefox (Android)
Apple Safari (iOS) 

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Site last updated 25/06/25

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