Marine Mammal Observer Training
Protected Species Observer Training

Accredited training of MMOs and PSOs for over twenty years

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

New - online version of the JNCC MMO course available for distance learning

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 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). A self-navigated online version is also available for distance learning. The cost is £150 (discounts available) and includes a comprehensive resource pack.

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 (discounts available) and includes comprehensive downloadable resources.

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 MMO course, remote
Remote delivery, 1.5 days
£150 (discounts available - see below)

Upcoming dates:
June 23rd & 24th



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

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

Registration form
JNCC MMO (Zoom)
June
 More information
JNCC  MMO e-learning course, online
Online, anytime
£150 (discounts available - see below)

JNCC-recognised MMO e-learning course, self-navigated online in your own time, at your own pace.  This course teaches the mitigation requirements of the JNCC guidelines for geophysical surveys, pile driving, the use of explosives and UXO clearance, and the role of the MMO in implementing them. 

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

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

Registration form
JNCC MMO online  More information
PSO e-learning course, online
Online, anytime
£180 (discounts available - see below)

Online, self-navigated PSO e-learning 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 
PSO online  More information

Discounts

Student/recent graduate discount

10% discount on any course (except refreshers) for current students or those who have graduated (from an undergraduate degree) in the last 12 months (proof required).  Please ask for the discount when returning the registration form, and provide appropriate proof.  The student/recent graduate discount is not available if an employer is paying for the course(s).

Multi-course discount

10% discount when enrolling on both MMO and PSO courses at the same time (not applicable to refresher courses).  

Both discounts can be combined, i.e. 20% discount is available to students/recent graduates doing both the MMO and PSO courses.

Group rates

Available for classroom, Zoom or online courses - please enquire.

Refresher courses

The PSO e-learning course can be done as a refresher for those who have completed PSO training previously but want to update their certificate.  Please note, this is not a shortened course, to ensure that you meet training requirements for NMFS approval you will have access to the full syllabus and all current course resources but at a reduced cost of £95.  Please email info@carolynbarton.co.uk to register - you will need to provide existing certification. 

The online JNCC MMO e-learning course may also be done as a refresher - please enquire for more information and costs.  Please note that JNCC do not currently require refresher training, but this is available for those who wish to update their skills and knowledge. 

Other discounts do not apply to refresher courses.

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 choose these courses?

Carolyn Barton was the first MMO trainer approved by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), in 1996. In 2003 she also became the first person to be approved as a PSO trainer by what is now the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)/ Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). Carolyn has delivered over 450 courses and trained over 3,000 MMOs and over 800 PSOs. 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 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

"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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Site last updated 20/05/25

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