PSO and PAM Training Course: April 2014 CSA and Seiche Measurements Combine Forces to Provide Certification Training

CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA) and Seiche Measurements are offering a 5-day Protected Species Observer (PSO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) course for individuals seeking professional certification and training for visual and acoustic monitoring of protected species. 

The course offered by the Seiche/CSA team adheres to current Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BOEM/BSEE) mitigation requirements and standards. 

This level of rigor was chosen as the training standard because BOEM/BSEE requirements are some of the most stringent and include all forms of mitigation measures that are required globally of the seismic industry.  Thus, the certifications and training achieved by this course can be applied internationally with localized or job-specific modifications.  

 Both CSA and Seiche Measurements are recognized training leaders of mitigation and monitoring personnel for the offshore seismic industry and other ocean-resource users.  This teaming aims to address the complex needs and requirements of global regulatory bodies as well as the practical needs of the industry.  While each has conducted PSO and PAM training courses individually, their combined expertise allows trainees to obtain unparalleled hands-on experience from experts in the field.  Uniquely suited for this training, CSA and Seiche Measurement bring together expertise from the UK and the United States to ensure trainees are well prepared and fully qualified to perform a comprehensive suite of seismic mitigation duties throughout the world. 

Seismic observer training is a requirement for many regulatory entities to ensure that all mitigation personnel have received correct information concerning permit requirements and methodologies.  Standardized training ensures that industry-hired mitigation personnel have the required training and certifications to perform these important duties.  While regulations vary throughout the world and vessels may use other best practices in unregulated waters, most seismic mitigation protocols require some variation of key methods that include, at a minimum, a specified monitoring zone, a pre-shooting watch, ramp-up or soft-start monitoring, delays or shutdowns of sound sources for species within a given distance, and standardized recording and reporting.  In many regions, PAM is used to supplement visual observation and species identification.  The calibration and efficacy evaluation of each PAM system is unique to the vessel and operational area.  Therefore, the skills required to conduct valid acoustic monitoring are of great importance for both the industry and affected species. 

The training is conducted in both the classroom and in the field with specific training for real-world troubleshooting.  This extensive and practical effort benefits the trainee as well as the industry by providing mitigation personnel with the most comprehensive training experience available today.  The Seiche/CSA team believes that knowledgeable, prepared, and tested personnel is vital for mitigation requiring visual and acoustic observation offshore and provides for reliable data that are crucial in future rule-making and planning.

The course will be held at the CSA headquarters in Stuart, Florida on 17-21 April 2014, with more courses planned for Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Africa later in the year.  For more information about the course and registration, please contact sarah@seiche.eu.com or visit www.csaocean.com.