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About Scanning Ocean Sectors

In the early years of marine mammal observing for mitigation the capability of Marine Mammal Observers was highly variable, depending on their background, training and motivation. Industry and researchers wanted to understand what makes a good MMO in order to ensure that MMO’s employed achieved an acceptable standard.

In the UK, two people started a programme of research into the efficacy of MMOs; Dr Cath Owens (formerly, Southampton Solent University) and Andy Williams (formerly, BDRP). A team of researchers were involved in the three years of this study into the efficacy of MMOs and eventually finished the project with funding from the UK Royal Navy, UKHO, English Nature, JNCC and a number of other organisations.

This base line research investigated how effective MMOs were, and the incremental effects of quality training. Questions investigated included whether certain personality type’s best fitted the role of MMOs and would visual perception have any effect on MMOs observations? Observations of MMOs were made in real time situations using a ships bridge simulator, with data collected from the following groups: experienced MMOs, untrained MMOs, trained MMOs and inexperienced MMO’s. The visual perception work led to eye drill training, (eye muscles) and its effectiveness.

Company History

Scanning Ocean Sectors was formed in 2003 after 3 years of research into the effectiveness of Marine Mammal Observers.

The foundation for the course was formulated on this research, with the assistance of Dr Peter Evans (Sea Watch foundation), Ben Maughan (UK Hydrographic Office), Ed Harland (formerly QinetiQ, now Chickerell Bioacoustics), Graham Smith (formerly QinetiQ, Now SERCO) and Yvonne Miles (formerly Southampton Solent University, now, Scanning Ocean Sectors). The initial courses were first tested on and used for the training of Royal Navy personnel. The training proved very effective for the RN and assisted them in their aims of using best practice. The course evolved over the 3 years of research and changes took into account all the outcomes, resulting in a well-balanced course.

The MMO course was then standardised to provide what we consider to be the best training for an MMO. The standardisation ensures that each MMO we train will complete the course with all the most relevant up to date information and the MMO will be well equipped for all employing industries and research. This ensures that all sightings data collected will be as accurate as the environmental conditions allow. We give FREE updated training every 3 years to every student who has trained with us, to ensure continuing effectiveness.

The MMO course can now be taken a number of times during each year. The course is lead by a team of experts in their fields, with the course being constantly monitored, reviewed and updated by the company, students and staff. The MMO course has been approved by JNCC.