Protected Species Observers (PSOs), also known as Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs), monitor for marine mammals, sea turtles, and protected fish. PSOs complete certain reports on protected species activity and industry operations that are required by federal agencies such as NMFS, BOEM, and BSEE. PSOs also advise regarding protected species in the “exclusion zone,” and on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals. Work as a PSO is a great way to see a wide variety of marine life, such as whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and fish, and the sunrises/sunsets are nothing short of spectacular on the broad, open horizon offshore.
To work as a PSO on geological and geophysical operations such as seismic surveys, site characterization, or construction at sea, you must take PSO training which meets the standards set forth in federal regulations. We provide this approved PSO training, and upon successful completion of this course, students will receive their PSO certification to monitor for geological and geophysical operations in the Gulf of Mexico. While the monitoring, mitigation, and reporting measures discussed are specific to the Gulf of Mexico, the regulatory framework that students will learn about in this course is the same framework which permits operations offshore country-wide, and the animals discussed are largely the same in similar latitudes and within the Atlantic Ocean. Our PSO certification is an established and recognized standard that is often accepted in other parts of the country (Atlantic, etc.) or world to qualify an individual to work as a PSO. Attendees of this course have gained approval to work in various settings such as geological and geophysical/seismic surveys (including site characterization for renewable energy, ie, wind in the Atlantic), dredging, pile driving, construction, or other work requiring monitoring for protected species. The methods for locating and identifying animals discussed in the training are valuable tools for wildlife observers worldwide, and the live discussions with experienced PSOs and PAM Operators include tips and tricks of the trade in living and working offshore.
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