Ocean Science Consulting Limited is running a Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring training course, which has been approved by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as being consistent with standards in the ‘2013 code of conduct for minimizing acoustic disturbance to marine mammals from seismic survey operations’. OSC’s DOC-approved course is the first and currently only combined MMO and PAM training available in the world for working in NZ waters. The first course ran successfully in May 2014, and due to popular demand, will be available to candidates again in November 2014, in preparation for the Antipodean seismic exploration season.
The Code is regarded as international best practice, particularly concerning the establishment of observer training and performance standards. To meet DOC’s requirements, OSC had to develop the most comprehensive and intensive training course on the market today. There is a current shortage of trained MMO and PAM Operators for New Zealand waters, so successful graduates will therefore have a significantcommercial advantage (PAM Operators in particular). The knowledge, skills and experience derived from this PAM training will also be applicable worldwide.
The next course will be run in Dunbar, East Lothian, UK, for 10 days from 10–19 November 2014.
All candidates must have their own equipment, including reticle binoculars, handheld GPS, ID guide, and a laptop with NZ data forms, software required for their GPS, and PAMGuard pre-loaded.
To register for the course, please send your CV to courses@osc.co.uk<mailto:courses@osc.co.uk>. The deadline for applications is 30 September 2014. Upon acceptance to the course, a 225GBP non-refundable deposit towards the 2,250GBP total cost per candidate is required to secure your position. Course costs do not include accommodation or food, and candidates are required to make their own travel arrangements to and from Dunbar. Once payment has been received, each candidate will receive an author-signed pre-release copy of the ‘Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook’, which must be read prior to attending the course.