Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operators

Passive Acoustic Monitioring (PAM) Operators are essential during offshore operations where an MMO is employed to mitigate the effects of offshore operations on marine mammals. Most commonly required during seismic surveys to reduce the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals, PAM Operators are used during other offshore campaigns such as pipeline installation, rock dumping, piling, and during offshore wind and renewable energy operations. PAM Operators complement the efforts of Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs), acting as observers in hours of darkness or reduced visibility, using hydrophones to acoustically detect marine mammals. PAM Operators install the relevant deployment gear and computer systems, and complete the relevant Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) forms and required reports. Operators are trained by recognised PAM equipment suppliers and hold a JNCC approved MMO training certificate.