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Marine Mammal Observer Course
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The Australian Training Course

The Marine Mammal Training Course will consist of three days in total, and two parts. The first two days will be all the theory behind the course, which will cover everything you will need to know as a working Marine Mammal Observer and the third day is a practical assesment on a boat.

 

Australia 2008 Course Dates

Course

Boat (Practical)

February 11th – 13th

February 13th

 

 

May 26th – 28th

May 28th

 

 

November 24th – 26th

November 26th

 

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Training Course Details

The Marine Mammal Training Course will consist of three days in total, and two parts. The first two days will be all the theory behind the course, which will cover everything you will need to know as a working Marine Mammal Observer.

We will give you an introduction to the law, guidelines and the legal role of an MMO, this topic will cover world wide legislation and concentrate on the MMO role within the UK and Australia. You will then be guided through a history of the effects of marine mammals and sound, followed closely by how acoustics work and seismic operations.

The course will then take you through all the monitoring methods that have been used and those that are used today. This will be followed by a basic introduction to marine mammals and their physiology, leading on to marine mammal behaviours and then a practical session on passive acoustic monitoring.

Day two will cover acoustic theory and mammal vocalizations, followed by an introduction to species identification and reporting systems. Included in day two will be techniques for field observations, an animal ID quiz followed by video sightings, report form completion and a diagrammatic assessment with role play. The day will conclude with a talk by a working MMOs view of life.
All theory sessions will be given at Hervey Bay Boat Club and the practical session will leave from the Hervey Bay Marina.

The final day will be your practical training session, you will board a boat and be taken to local waters to practice all the techniques you have been taught and will report back on any of your findings. This practical session will only be for a half day and the times will vary depending on the tides and the weather, which you will be notified at the end of day two theory session as to what time you will be setting out to sea.

The training will cover two full days of theory from 9am-6pm, during the day you will have breaks for refreshments and lunch which will be provided. If you have any special dietary requirements, please ensure that you inform us on registration as we can not guarantee that you can be catered for on the day.

You will be given a training course ID book which you will find very useful when you are out observing, there will also be a course booklet which will guide you through each lecture/unit and help you will any information you need. This booklet does not duplicate the lectures but gives you the information you are required to learn and understand.

The training course tutors will be available at any time after you have taken the course to help you will any problems you have with any issues you encounter. We have a team of experts who will help with any ID problems.

We will guide you through any follow on courses you need to take regarding marine mammal observing for the industry.

There is only one thing that we can not help you with and that is sea sickness, so please bring any tablets you may require, high dose ginger tablets are recommended for those who find the over the counter bands make them drowsy.

Included in course

  • ID book
  • Training course booklet
  • Note paper
  • Pen
  • Pencil
  • All tea & coffee
  • Lunch

What you need to bring

  • Binoculars – at least 7x50
  • Sea sick tablets – if you are prone
  • Clothing and sun products for weather changes on boat

Accommodation

Please take a look at the Hervey Bay accommodation web site, here there is a range of accommodation to suit all pockets. When you book please make sure you find out the distance to the Boat Club and how long it will take you to get there in the morning.
http://www.herveybay.au.com

Course Terms and Conditions

Read our course terms and conditions

 

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