Advanced NZ PAM Operator Assessment Course
Passive Acoustic Monitoring Operators (PAMOs) wishing to work on marine seismic surveys in New Zealand (NZ) waters must either successfully complete training consistent with the standards outlined in the 2013 Code of Conduct for Minimising Acoustic Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Survey Operations or seek the approval of the NZ Government under interim guidelines provided in the Code.
Blue Planet Marine and Seiche have combined forces and created the BPM/Seiche Advanced NZ PAMO Assessment. It is the only assessment for experienced PAMOs approved by the NZ Government as meeting the required standards. Only candidates with 12 or more weeks’ experience as a PAMO on marine seismic surveys (anywhere in the world) may undertake the Assessment.
WHY DO THIS ASSESSMENT?
It is the only advanced PAMO assessment process approved by the NZ Government under the Code.
It is the fastest route to gaining NZ Government-approved certification to work as a PAMO in NZ.
After successfully completing the Assessment you will be a trained PAMO able to work in NZ waters on marine seismic surveys.
Once you gain 12 weeks’ experience in this role in NZ waters, you will be approved by the NZ Government as a qualified PAMO.
As with other observer courses, undertaking this Assessment does not guarantee you work in NZ. The Assessment will, however, place you in a stronger position to secure a PAMO role in NZ.
WHO CAN DO THE ASSESSMENT?
Only PAMOs with 12 or more weeks’ experience on marine seismic surveys (anywhere in the world) can undertake the Assessment.
ASSESSMENT FOCUS
The Assessment is not a training course. It is a process for assessing your existing PAM skills and knowledge against the standards required in the Code.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To undertake the Assessment you must complete an application process, which provides evidence of your PAMO experience and knowledge. If your application is approved you may undertake the Assessment.
ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK
The Assessment includes online modules and a 3-day, in-person practical component, including a final written examination. An experienced PAMO will deliver the practical component, with additional tutors dependent on group size. Group size is limited to a maximum of 12 candidates.
ONLINE MODULES
The 3 online modules cover:
NZ Code of Conduct
Navigation General
Seismic Operations
The modules will take about 1-2 days to complete depending on previous experience/knowledge. Module content is enhanced by diagrams, images, supplementary reading materials, and videos to reinforce content. Online support is available via email.
PRACTICAL COMPONENT
The 3-day practical component includes classroom and sea-based activities to consolidate learning from the online modules and assess your existing PAM knowledge and skills via a set of practical exercises.
The practical exercises will test your ability to:
Set up and optimise the deployment of a Seiche PAM system
Use PAMGuard software to:
- detect and identify vocalising cetaceans;
- measure distance to and bearing of vocalising cetaceans while accounting for vessel movement; and- plot positions of cetaceans relative to the seismic vessel and acoustic source
Complete Department of Conservation Reporting Forms
During the practical component you will sit a final written examination focussed on the content of the online modules. A mark of 75% or higher must be achieved in order to pass the examination.
INTERESTED IN UNDERTAKING THE BPM/SEICHE ADVANCED NZ PAM OPERATOR ASSESSMENT?
For an application form or more information please contact: info@blueplanetmarine.com
ARE YOU NEW TO PAM AND INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PAMO?
BPM and Seiche are finalising a training course for people new to PAM and wanting to work in NZ. Contact info@blueplanetmarine.com for more information.
Seiche also offers a range of PAM training courses (not specific to NZ) that cater for beginner to more advanced levels of understanding and experience. More information about these training courses can be found at: www.seiche.com.