MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on June 11-12, 2022. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer Certification for geological and geophysical surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted in other regions or industries where monitoring and mitigation is needed. Course cost includes the instruction, advice on applying to PSO positions, the professional certification, and the provision of various regulatory documents and supplementary identification guides. PSOs monitor for ESA-listed animals and marine mammals, complete reports on protected species activity and industry operations, and advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals. We will discuss the tricks of the trade in identifying marine mammals, sea turtles, and other protected species. Search cues to locate animals and key diagnostic traits and behaviors are also discussed. This course includes discussion on life offshore with a focus on maintaining productive personal interactions in the shared common working spaces offshore. Life as a PSO is fun, but it involves long hours of performing dedicated watch; patience, integrity, and persistence are all required for successful performance of duties. This course discussion will examine the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals, sea turtles, and other protected species, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objective documentation of animal behavior and industry operations for reporting to regulatory agencies. A list of recommended items to pack for work offshore is provided, and some additional potential requirements for offshore work are also discussed in the course. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick@psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/