ACCOBAMS MMO/PAM Certificate

The ACCOBAMS MMO/PAM Certificate Course is a 7-day intensive training programme designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to work as Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators. Accredited by ACCOBAMS, the course focuses on marine mammal mitigation and monitoring in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, while also providing skills that are transferable worldwide. Successful candidates receive an internationally recognised certificate, ensuring they meet the highest professional standards in marine conservation and offshore industry mitigation.

The course combines theory, practical training, and fieldwork, covering:

Marine Acoustics: Fundamentals of underwater sound, seismic waves, sonar equations, and anthropogenic noise sources.
Marine Mammal & Turtle Biology: Identification, distribution, behaviour, and vocalisations.
Environmental Law & Guidelines: International, European, and national regulations, with a focus on ACCOBAMS guidelines.
MMO & PAM Operations: Pre-survey planning, PAM deployment, species detection, communication protocols, and data logging.
Software & Tools: Hands-on training in PAMGuard for acoustic monitoring and QGIS for mapping and spatial data analysis.
Practical Boat Training: At-sea experience in species detection, acoustic monitoring, and use of professional equipment.
Offshore Readiness: Safety, survival, medical considerations, and working life onboard offshore vessels.

Participants are evaluated through both theoretical assessments and practical demonstrations to ensure competence in all required areas.

The course runs over seven consecutive days (April 22–28), blending classroom-based lectures, software workshops, and at-sea training sessions. The schedule is adapted to weather conditions to maximise practical boat experience. Training is delivered by highly experienced instructors:

Dr. Aylin Akkaya, marine mammal researcher with over 20 years’ experience in the Mediterranean and worldwide.

Patrick Lyne (Ch.Mar. Sci. IMarEST), certified JNCC trainer with extensive expertise in marine mammal mitigation globally.

Skillnet Course Fee: €

Full Course Fee: €

Eligibility for the subsidised Skillnet Course Fee is based on the following factors:

Trainees

Key requirements regarding the trainee:

Trainees must be based in the Republic of Ireland to be eligible.
Trainees must be employed within private enterprise/self-employed.
This program is designed for professionals working in a related sector, seeking to upskill and transition into the offshore wind industry.

Companies

Key requirements regarding the eligibility of businesses to participate in funding:

Companies must be from private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland.
Skillnet Ireland funding is not available to public sector bodies or organisations that are publicly funded such as community-based not-for-profit companies or charities.
Commercial semi-state companies are eligible providing that income contributed to a Network is not sourced from the public purse.
Sole traders are eligible as Companies.

If you are not eligible for funding then the full course fee will apply. Where a trainee enrols on a course and pays the full fee, no refund will be provided if eligibility is determined later.

If you have further queries on funding, please contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie including the module you wish to apply for.

Applicants must meet the ACCOBAMS minimum experience requirement of at least 30 days of prior experience working with marine mammals before registration. Places are limited to ensure high-quality training and individual support.

Existing MMOs seeking to expand their skills into Passive Acoustic Monitoring and QGIS.

Marine biologists, ecologists, or conservation professionals pursuing offshore careers.

Early-career and mid-career professionals aiming to work in marine mammal mitigation, offshore energy, or environmental consultancy.

Career Pathways

Graduates of this course will be equipped to take on specialist roles within the offshore wind industry and wider marine sectors, including:

Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) for offshore wind farm site surveys, construction, and operations.
Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator supporting noise mitigation during pile-driving and other offshore wind activities.
Environmental Monitoring Specialist within offshore wind development projects, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Marine Ecology Consultant advising developers and regulators on biodiversity protection in offshore wind zones.
Research Scientist/Technician contributing to applied research on the environmental impacts of offshore renewable energy.

This certification enhances employability in a rapidly growing offshore wind sector, where demand for trained MMO/PAM operators is increasing across Europe and beyond.