Sample pages from the online JNCC MMO e-learning course
This Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) e-learning 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 their role effectively, including the implementation of the JNCC guidelines, the reporting requirements and the 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 the 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 work through at your own pace.
Registration for online e-learning course
Online refresher training
JNCC MMO e-learning course content
Who is the course for?
Course schedule
Browser requirements
Accessible on:
Desktop PC, laptop, tablet or mobile phone. You will need a compatible browser (see below).
Cost:
£150 (discounts for students/recent graduates, groups, or combined MMO and PSO courses)
The course is self-navigated at your own pace - as a guide it is estimated that it would take 2 full days to complete the course, although you can break it down into shorter sessions over a longer period to suit yourself. The course includes comprehensive downloadable resources 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 and return by email, 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 review your answers to see where you need to focus your study before re-sitting 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.
To register for the course please return the registration form below 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).
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.
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. You will need to provide your existing certification to be eligible for the reduced fee. Please enquire for more information and costs.
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 enrolling on 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 doing 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.
This is a self-navigated course that is available 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.
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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