Training

JNCC-Approved Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Training Courses

Our CRRU-hosted Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Training Courses introduce the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) guidelines for minimising the risk of injury to marine mammals from geophysical surveys, piling and explosives operations in the offshore petrochemical and renewables sectors.

The aim of this 1-day JNCC-approved course is to equip candidates who wish to work as an MMO with the necessary information and knowledge to carry out this role effectively within the industry.

Material covered includes: the types of activities undertaken offshore, how to interpret and provide mitigation advice using the JNCC guidelines, how to detect and identify marine mammals at sea and determine distances from operations, and how to complete the JNCC recording forms and necessary reporting requirements required to competently carry out this role.

As an industry prerequisite, all MMOs undertaking work in UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) waters must have attended this JNCC-approved course and obtained the certificate awarded upon completion.

JNCC mitigation guidelines have been developed for application to ALL geophysical surveys, impact piling and use of explosives in the marine environment
Compliance with JNCC mitigation guidelines is considered best practice and aims to reduce the risk of deliberate injury to marine mammals to negligible levels

The course is delivered by highly experienced personnel with over 25 years working experience in this vocation and aims to provide ongoing advice and support beyond the course itself.

The cost per person is £150 and this includes full reference material, practical guidelines, worksheets, employers lists and contacts, and a species identification handbook.

Courses are run several times a month on set dates, but can also be organised for groups of 8 or more people on your date of choice by prior agreement.

The course can also optionally be carried out remotely, in your own time, by working through a recording of the course (often a more preferable option for many of our overseas or working participants).

The dates for our forthcoming courses (delivered via Zoom) in 2025 are:

Fri 3 Jan 2025

Fri 17 Jan 2025

Fri 31 Jan 2025

If you would like to receive a registration form for a course or wish to be added to our email distribution list for future course dates, please email us at [email protected].

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