JNCC MMO (Marine Mammal Observation)

The JNCC Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Course – Ireland is a two-day intensive training programme designed to provide participants with the skills needed to monitor and mitigate the impacts of offshore activities on marine mammals. Delivered in Castletownbere, County Cork, the course combines classroom-based learning with practical boat-based training to develop essential observation, identification, and mitigation skills. Successful participants receive JNCC certification for the UK module and a separate Irish NPWS/IWDG certificate.

The course covers:

Marine Mammal & Turtle Identification: UK and Irish waters species, taxonomy, and field identification.
Distance Estimation: Techniques and exercises using reticular binoculars and measuring tools, highlighting common errors.
JNCC Mitigation Measures: Regulatory guidelines, survey planning, and completion of JNCC JIP Effort and Sightings forms.
Irish NPWS Guidelines: Overview of national legislation, forms, and licensing procedures with emphasis on the 2023 regulatory updates.
Offshore Operational Skills: Practical training in health and safety, survey protocols, and mitigation measures.
Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM): Introduction to acoustic monitoring methods.
Practical Boat-Based Training: Observation exercises, form completion, and distance estimation at sea.
Assignments & Exams: Marine fauna identification quizzes, mitigation exercises, and distance estimation assessments, completed via Moodle.

Duration: 2 days, including a boat-based practical session from Ballycrovane Harbour. This course runs in April and September.
Format: In-person training with online support through Moodle, allowing access to materials, quizzes, and assignments.
Schedule: Day 1 is classroom-based, Day 2 combines morning instruction on Irish guidelines with practical boat training and evaluations.
Trainer: Patrick Lyne (Ch.Mar. Sci. IMarEST), a certified JNCC instructor with extensive experience in marine mammal mitigation in Ireland since 2007.

Skillnet Course Fee: € TBC

Full Course Fee: € TBC

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.

No prior experience or qualifications are required.

Participants must be able to engage in boat-based training and complete online assignments to achieve certification.

Environmental consultants and professionals involved in offshore projects.

Those responsible for mitigation planning and environmental assessments related to marine mammals.

Individuals seeking certification to work as MMOs in Ireland and the UK.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the course are prepared for roles such as:

Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) for offshore wind, oil, and gas projects.
Environmental Consultant supporting regulatory compliance and marine monitoring.
PAM Operator for acoustic monitoring during offshore construction.
Project Officer or Field Technician in marine ecology or conservation organisations.

This course provides a strong foundation for those entering the offshore wind sector, where demand for trained MMOs is growing across Ireland and Europe.

Progression

Participants can progress to the more advanced ACCOBAMS MMO/PAM certification, or additional offshore safety and survival training, including:

Completion of the course and associated assignments demonstrates competence for professional MMO deployment and supports continuous professional development in marine conservation and offshore industry roles.