What you need to perform it
Primary qualification
- Degree in Biology, Marine Science or related (usual, not always mandatory — indicative per regulator).
- MMO course recognised by the project regulator: JNCC (UK) as reference; BOEM/NMFS (US), IBAMA (Brazil) and others require their own accreditations (indicative per jurisdiction).
- To operate PAM: specific training on the software and hydrophone chain (PAMGuard as de-facto standard).
Basic STCW
- A-VI/1 (if you permanently reside in MODU)
- OPITO BOSIET current
Specific courses
- Species ID for the project region and distance estimation at sea
- Mitigation protocols: pre-watch, soft-start/ramp-up, shutdowns and resumptions
- Recording and regulator reporting (JNCC forms or equivalents)
- BOSIET/FOET with CA-EBS and offshore medical to live on the unit
Indicative experience
Indicative: prior campaigns as junior observer or in marine-mammal field research; regulators value logged observation effort hours and demonstrable PAM experience.
Observations
Usually contracted through specialised environmental consultancies, not the driller. A shutdown call is binding within the approved mitigation plan; friction with operations is managed by protocol, not negotiation. Progression: MMO → lead MMO/PAM → project environmental coordinator.
What this role does
An embarked environmental specialist with real operational authority: watches the mitigation zone before and during noisy operations (seismic, piling, drilling), identifies marine mammals and other protected fauna visually and by passive acoustics (PAM), orders delays or source shutdowns when an animal enters the zone and signs the reports the regulator requires of the project.
Typical watches
- Watch shifts during active acoustic operations
Key responsibilities
- Visual and acoustic monitoring of marine mammals near the MODU.
- Authority to stop operations if protected wildlife is at risk.
- Recording of sightings and preparation of monitoring reports.
- Operation of PAM (Passive Acoustic Monitoring) systems for underwater detection.
- Compliance with national and international environmental laws.
Operational scope
- Outer observation deck
- PAM / acoustic control room
Profile reviewed by HydroAbyss (2026). Cited rules and timeframes are indicative: the final requirement is set by the flag State, the Administration and each company.