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The United Kingdom 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.

2009 UK PAM Course Dates

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2009 UK MMO Course Dates

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MMO Training Course Details

We will start by giving you an introduction to the law, guidelines and the legal role of an MMO, covering world wide legislation and concentrating on the MMO role within the UK. You will then be introduced to the effects of sound on marine mammals, followed by lessons on ocean acoustics 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 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 view of working life from a current MMO.

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. Details and timings will be promulgated at the end of the day two theory session.

The training will cover two full days of theory from 9am-5.30pm, 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 useful training course ID book to aid you when you are out observing, there will also be a course booklet which will guide you through each lecture/unit and help you with any information you need.

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

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

There is only one thing 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 brands make them drowsy.

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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 sickness tablets – if you are prone to sea sickness
• Spare clothing to allow for weather changes on the boat

Accommodation

What JNCC felt about our Poole accommodation facility:

If you need accommodation please contact us

• RNLI room rates are £125.00 per day – which includes, breakfast, lunch and dinner with all tea and coffee free.
  Download information on RNLI accommodation (PDF)
• Alternative accomodation can be found here:
  http://www.pooletourism.com/atozlisting_accom.asp?propertytype=7
• The Foundry Arms
  http://www.foundryarms.com/accommodation.asp

Course Terms and Conditions

Read our course terms and conditions

Register for the UK MMO Training Course NOW!