Marine Mammal Observer Training
Protected Species Observer Training

Accredited training of MMOs and PSOs for over twenty years

Carolyn Barton was the first approved MMO and PSO trainer. She delivers high quality training to equip MMOs and PSOs with the knowledge needed to perform the role effectively, drawing on extensive experience as a trainer, an MMO, mitigation analysis and involvement in the development of mitigation guidelines.

JNCC-recognised MMO course
JNCC-recognised MMO course
BOEM accepted PSO course
BOEM-accepted PSO trainer
BSEE accepted PSO course
BSEE-accepted PSO trainer
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 are engaged on activities such as geophysical surveys, pile-driving, explosives and UXO clearance operations to mitigate the potential impacts on marine mammals. The course teaches about the impacts of offshore activities on marine mammals, the mitigation requirements of the JNCC guidelines, and the role of the MMO in implementing them, including monitoring and identification, providing mitigation advice, data recording and reporting. This course is a requirement for all MMOs working in UK waters.

Delivery:
Classroom/remote delivery (1.5 days) or self-navigated online distance learning

Cost:
£150 (discounts available), includes comprehensive resources

More information:

JNCC MMO course classroom/remote delivery

JNCC MMO course online e-learning 

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

In the US, Protected Species Observers (PSOs) monitor the presence of marine mammals and sea turtles and provide mitigation advice during geophysical surveys and other offshore activities, such as offshore wind energy developments. The course teaches about marine mammals and sea turtles, mitigation requirements for offshore activities and the role of the PSO in implementing them. This course is required for work as a PSO in the US Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico) and US Atlantic. PSOs are required to be approved by NMFS; completion of PSO training is part of the approval process.

Delivery:
Self-navigated online distance learning

Cost:
 £180 (discounts available), includes comprehensive resources

More information:

PSO course online e-learning

Upcoming courses

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

Discounts are available for students, recent graduates, multiple courses, groups and refresher training.

JNCC MMO course, remote delivery (Zoom)

July 21st & 22nd (1.5 days)

£150

JNCC MMO e-learning course, online

Online, anytime

£150

PSO e-learning course, online

Online, anytime

£180

Why choose these courses?

Carolyn has successfully trained MMOs and PSOs over almost three decades. In addition to drawing on extensive experience as an 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 mitigation and the role of the MMO/PSO. Regularly updated to reflect current practices, these courses present an affordable but high quality option for MMOs/PSOs.

450+ courses

3000+ MMOs trained

800+ PSOs trained

Testimonials

"It was thorough enough to do the job while also delivering the 'why' behind."

April 2025

"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

"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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