Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) is running a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) training course, which has been approved by the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC), as being consistent with standards in the ‘2013 code of conduct for minimising acoustic disturbance to marine mammals from seismic survey operations’ (the Code). The knowledge, skills and experience derived from the PAM element of the course is also applicable worldwide, rendering trained PAM course graduates the ability to work as PAM Operators internationally. OSC’s DOC-approved course was the first combined MMO and PAM training available in the world for working in NZ waters. The first course ran successfully in May 2014, and will be available to candidates again in March 2015.

The Code is regarded widely as international best practice, particularly concerning the establishment of observer training and performance standards. To meet DOC’s requirements, OSC have developed 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 significant commercial advantage.

OSC’s high quality course involves responsive personal (including one-to-one) tuition throughout, hands-on experience with state-of-the-art PAM equipment during classroom theory and practical sessions, and field practice aboard a survey vessel at sea.

OSC is a technology-focused marine science R&D company with over a decade of experience in supplying commercial and scientific MMO and PAM services to the offshore and other marine-related industries worldwide (www.osc.co.uk). Based in Scotland, OSC also has a branch in New Zealand servicing the Asia-Pacific region (www.osc-nz.co.nz). Our course instructors are highly experienced and degree-level qualified scientists, practiced MMOs and PAM Operators, and authors of the 'Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook’ (www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.co.uk), which forms the manual for the course.
 
OSC’s knowledge and expertise is second-to-none, so this course is the obvious choice for anyone wishing to train and prepare as a competent MMO and PAM Operator to work in the field anywhere in the world (please note additional local qualifications and experience may be required).

The next course will be run in New Plymouth, New Zealand, for eight days from 23–30 March 2015.

All candidates must have their own equipment, including reticle binoculars, handheld GPS, ID guide, and a laptop preloaded with NZ data forms, software required for your GPS, and PAMGuard.

To register for the course, please send your CV and a brief description of why you want to attend this course to courses@osc-nz.co.nz. The deadline for applications is 27 February 2015.

Upon acceptance to the course, there are two payment methods available:

1) A non-refundable and one-off full-course payment of $4,650NZD per candidate can be paid immediately, or no later than three weeks before the course start date (i.e. on or before 2 February 2015); or,
2) A non-refundable deposit of $550NZD paid immediately, plus a further $4,650NZD paid in full after 2 February and before the course start date (i.e. a total payment of $5200NZD will apply for late registrations).

The deposit or full payment 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 New Plymouth. 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.

Please note that this is not simply an ‘attend-and-pass course’. In accordance with DOC’s requirements, successful candidates must achieve ‘results of 75% and above’, although we will provide further reassessment procedures for those initially scoring less than 75%. This high pass mark is a key selling point for successful candidates; furthermore, for candidates who preform exceptionally, OSC may have opportunities for employment and/or scientific research (http://www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers/).

We look forward to seeing you on our course soon.

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MMO & PAM Course Coordinator
OSC NZ Ltd
PO Box 106767
Auckland City 1143
New Zealand
T: +64 9 927 7614
W: www.osc-nz.co.nz