Welcome to the Marine Mammal Observer – for Australian waters online training course.
This course will aim to provide you with all the background knowledge you need to become an EFFECTIVE and CONFIDENT Marine Mammal Observer in Australian waters.
If you are going to work in Australian waters you MUST take this course in ADDITION to the MMO SoS course.
There are 31 lessons in this Course, you must complete all of them and the tests that go will each Module. The time taken for each lesson depends on the individual learner, their language and prior learning abilities.
Please remember that there ARE differences in the legal aspects of these regions, UKCS and Australia, you MUST work to the guidelines of the Country/Region you are working in.
Important information
Please note, we can not solve any issues that you have with your own personal computers/Laptops/tablets.
- Android phones and iphones will not work with this course as the training material images will be too small to view
- At the end of each session/day you MUST log out, and log back in at the start of each day, your login times are recorded on the system and the times are added to your overall competence
- You Must click only ONCE on the green complete quiz button, if you click more than once numerous quizzes will be sent to the system and only one is marked, therefore the system will lock you out until all quizzes have been reviewed
- If you fail the Quiz you can retake again, but you MUST click on the Red Reset Quiz button before you can take the Quiz again
- Your online course MUST be taken by you, we will randomly call the student to ensure of the identity, if it is found that someone else is taking the course your certificate will be voided
You need to Upload a head and shoulders photo of you for your MMO Identification Card. If you do not upload a passport photo of yourself we CAN NOT issue your certificate or ID card.
Your Certificate is downloadable as soon as you have passed the Course and uploaded your photo, please ensure you download it and save it. If you do not upload a photo there will be a delay in Certification and ID cards.
Modules
Australian MMO1 Legal Module
Australian MMO2 - Sound - Legislation
Lessons
Australian MMO3 - Legislation - Observer Reporting
Lessons
- MMO3A Australian Legislation – Introduction to Law and guidelines – EPBC Act
- MMO3B Australian Legislation – EPBC Act
- MMO3C Australian Legislation – Observer Reporting
- MMO3D Australian – MMO Course – Terminology, Legal Responsibility, Reporting and the Role of an MMO
- MMO3E Australian – MMO Course – Duties of the MMO
- MMO3F Australian – MMO Course – Marine Mammal Detection and Real-Time Mitigation
- MMO3G Australian – MMO Course – Introduction to the Guidelines for Operational Procedures
- MMO3H Australian – MMO Course – Operational Procedures (Ramp Up-SS-FP)
- MMO3J Australian – MMO Course – Regulations and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)
- MMO3K Australian – MMO Course – Piling and Acoustic Deterrent Devices
- MMO3 Australian Legislation – Test
- MMO3 Australian – MMO Course – SOL Mathematics Test
Australian MMO4 - Biologically Important Areas
Biologically Important Areas
Lessons
Other Lessons
MMO5A Australian – MMO Course – Introduction Monitoring Methods
We will now look at these aspects of the unit.
We are looking for the optimal place for observing from the vessel or platform that we are working on.
In compliance with the JNCC and worldwide guidelines you have to have a 360º un-obstructed view from the platform you are working on.
MMO5B Australian – MMO Course – Monitoring Methods – Tools
We will now look at individual types of monitoring methods and what they are:
There are a number of ways to monitor what is happening in the waters, we will look at these now on an individual basis…
MMO5C Australian – MMO Course – Estimating Distance – Bearing and GPS
Different methods of calculating the distance to a marine mammal.
We will look at each in turn now…
MMO5D Australian – MMO Course – Monitoring – Occupational Health and Safety for the MMO
Where do you monitor once you know your location?
Choosing the best place to monitor from:
- How do you choose best place to monitor
- We already know that most guidelines state that you have to have a 306º view for your observation point, and we have looked at equipment, now we will look as safety aspects.
- Consider your own health and safety…
MMO5E Australian – MMO Course – Preparation of MMO for Field Observation
Prepare all the equipment you require to do your job effectively, keep it all together in grab bag for when a job comes up unexpectedly.
Ensure that you are dressed suitably for the weather conditions and make sure that if the weather changes that you have appropriate clothing in your grab bag.
Find out where you can observe from.
Look for visual Cues…
MMO5F Australian – MMO Course – What cues to look for and units of measure for weather data
Visual Cues to Marine Mammals
- Splashes / breaking water
- A wave or water movement in the wrong direction
- Seabird groups feeding – hovering/ diving
- ‘Bait balls’
- Differences in the colour of the water
- ‘Footprints’
- Whale breath (when observer downwind)
- Anything that breaks with continuity, e.g. current fronts…
MMO5 Australian – MMO Course – Monitoring Methods Test
- What equipment will you use for monitoring marine mammals (depends on your location)?
- Where will you monitor from?
- What method will you use to estimate distance to marine mammals?
- This is one of the most important aspects of your duties – if you get this wrong you won’t be able to do your job properly.
- Searching for marine mammals is not easy.
- Weather conditions including sea state, precipitation, cloud cover, sun glare and wind all make a big difference.
- As do factors including the number of MMOs present to share the work, their experience, the regularity of their breaks, their dedication, their objectivity (crew member vs. independent consultant), their enthusiasm and their level of training.
- Don’t underestimate the difficulties involved.
MMO6A Australian – MMO Course – MMO and Observation and Reporting Systems
The aim of this unit: What is expected of an MMO? Effective observation. Monitoring Compliance. Communications. Correct Data entry. Report writing. Correct ID of Marine Mammals Understanding who you will be working with on the vessel. Their job titles Hierarchy of the personnel. Marine Mammal Observer Duties What is expected from an MMO? Well […]
MMO6B Australian – MMO Course – Reporting Procedures
The aim of this unit: Knowledge of all the deck forms. Knowledge and understanding of how to complete the forms. Knowledge and understanding of information required. How and where to find the information for the deck sheets. Importance of correct input of information Importance of calculating information correctly before inserting into data forms. There is […]
MMO6 Australian – MMO Course – Test
MMO6 R Observation and reporting Systems. There are limited times you can take the TESTS so please ensure that you have READ ALL the material to ensure you can continue with each Module. Please read the questions and answers carefully There maybe some questions that require more than one answer. Please complete the test before you […]
MMO7 Australian – MMO Course – Animal Photo Identification TEST
There are limited times you can take the TESTS so please ensure that you have READ ALL the material to ensure you can continue with each Module. Please read the questions and answers carefully There maybe some questions that require more than one answer. Please complete the test before you move on to the next module. […]
MMO7A Australian – MMO Course End
Well done for completing the Australian MMO online course! If you have not already purchased the Marine Mammal Practical you need to purchase now to obtain your FULL approved Certificate. We would love your feed back and any constructive comments on what you would like to see added to this course, […]