MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected
Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on
June 11-12, 2022. This training is approved by the federal agencies
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and
Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer
Certification for geological and geophysical surveys in the Gulf of
Mexico, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted
in other regions or industries where monitoring and mitigation is
needed. Course cost includes the instruction, advice on applying to PSO
positions, the professional certification, and the provision of various
regulatory documents and supplementary identification guides.
PSOs monitor for ESA-listed animals and marine mammals, complete reports
on protected species activity and industry operations, and advise on the
measures required to reduce impacts to the animals. We will discuss the
tricks of the trade in identifying marine mammals, sea turtles, and
other protected species. Search cues to locate animals and key
diagnostic traits and behaviors are also discussed. This course
includes discussion on life offshore with a focus on maintaining
productive personal interactions in the shared common working spaces
offshore. Life as a PSO is fun, but it involves long hours of
performing dedicated watch; patience, integrity, and persistence are all
required for successful performance of duties. This course discussion
will examine the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals, sea
turtles, and other protected species, how to visually locate and
identify the animals, and objective documentation of animal behavior and
industry operations for reporting to regulatory agencies. A list of
recommended items to pack for work offshore is provided, and some
additional potential requirements for offshore work are also discussed
in the course.
Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at
http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at
abostw...@psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402.
Thank you,
Angela Bostwick
Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting
ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com
https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/
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