The Importance of Experienced MMOs and PAM Operators
The Marine Team MMOs and PAM operators have the experience and maturity to conduct effective environmental monitoring. This is because we have the following skills:
The ability to detect and identity marine mammals:
This is a very specialised skill and takes years to achieve. Most of the Marine Team MMO's have worked for many years on whale watching boats or research vessels to achieve this skill. The importance of this skill to Marine Mammal Observation for the Oil and Gas Industry is invaluable. In some areas of the World, the environmental guidelines state that shutdown or delays to airguns are only applicable to certain species - this requires accurate and swift identification in the field to ensure that shutdown is not conducted unnecessarily. The ability to spot and identify species at a distance is also important. An experienced MMO can identify a species and be able to assess the likely behaviour of this species in relation to the vessel. We are then able to give accurate advice to the ship's personnel on how to minimise their effect on these animals well in advance of a situation happening. The same applies to the experience of the PAM operator to identify animals acoustically.
The ability to determine range:
The ability to determine range is paramount to the job of the MMO as we have to implement protection for animals within a set safety zone. We at the Marine Team understand the need for accurate range determination using binoculars with graticules or range sticks. These are calibrated not only for each ship, but also for each viewing platform used on that ship as range calculations are based the height of the observers eye above sea level. Observers who do not have experience of range estimation cannot conduct effective environmental monitoring. They will be either delaying and shutting down for animals that are actually outside the zone or, on the other hand, will not be protecting the animals that are in fact in the safety zone.
A thorough understanding of the guidelines:
Our experienced MMO/PAM operators have a thorough understanding of the environmental guidelines prior to the project. We expect to be involved in start up meetings with the ship's personnel at the beginning of projects. This is to ensure that all involved understand our role as observers and to discuss how to implement the guidelines within the running of the operations. The Marine Team's aim is to work with the ship's personnel to ensure that environmental monitoring runs as smoothly as possible and fulfils the JNCC/MMS guidelines.
A thorough understanding of seismic survey and decommissioning procedures:
This is necessary in order to plan how to conduct the environmental monitoring required. It allows our MMOs to make swift decisions during operations should the need for flexibility be required. Having this understanding allows us to be able to discuss protocols in a professional manner with the ship's personnel. It also helps us give balanced and accurate feedback to authorities setting the guidelines when they require advice on practical and reasonable implementation of the guidelines.
The ability to communicate effectively:
Marine Team members understand that good communication between MMOs and the ship's personnel is essential. The Marine Team have experience of using marine radios and inter-com systems onboard ships during seismic and decommissioning operations.
Have respect for the ship's safety procedures:
We understand the need for strict safety procedures on the vessel and respect the crew's decision on restricting certain activities on the ship. We therefore will discuss our requirements with the maritime crew at the start of projects and will not make unreasonable requests when choosing viewing platforms and during the deployment of acoustic monitoring gear.
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