PAM Professional Training Course – ONLINE

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PAM Professional Training Course – ONLINE

£520.00

Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator Course

This course provides foundational theoretical training in Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM), a key method used to detect and analyse marine mammal vocalisations and support mitigation in offshore environments.

PAM is used to augment visual observation, particularly in low visibility or night-time conditions, and plays a critical role in assessing marine mammal presence, behaviour, and responses to anthropogenic noise.

Entry Requirements & Recommended Knowledge

Prior completion of a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) course is strongly recommended, as this course builds on existing knowledge of marine mammal behaviour, mitigation, and offshore operations.

To support understanding of the acoustic and analytical components of this course, a basic working knowledge of the following is beneficial:

  • Algebra
  • Trigonometry
  • Sine and cosine functions
  • Elementary statistics
  • Introductory calculus

These concepts will assist in understanding sound propagation, signal analysis, and data interpretation throughout the course.

This course is delivered to an individual learner. Certification is issued only to the individual who completes the training and is non-transferable.

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Description

Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Course

Course Overview

PAM capability is increasingly considered essential for offshore MMO roles, particularly in night operations and low-visibility conditions.Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) is a critical component of modern marine mammal mitigation, enabling the detection and analysis of underwater vocalisations using advanced hydrophone systems and acoustic processing software.

This course provides comprehensive theoretical training in PAM systems, acoustic principles, and operational application, equipping participants with the knowledge required to support mitigation efforts during offshore activities such as seismic surveys, construction, and decommissioning.

PAM is particularly valuable in conditions where visual monitoring is limited, including low visibility, night operations, and deep-water environments, making it an essential skill for Marine Mammal Observers and PAM Operators.

Course Scope

This course provides theoretical training in Passive Acoustic Monitoring.

It is designed to:

  • Develop understanding of acoustic monitoring systems
  • Support MMO roles through enhanced detection capability
  • Provide foundational knowledge for PAM Operator responsibilities

This course does not, on its own, constitute full operational competency as a PAM Operator, which requires additional practical experience and system-specific training.

Course Content

This course covers all key aspects of PAM, including:

Acoustic Fundamentals

  • History and physics of sound
  • Sound propagation in water
  • Anthropogenic noise in the marine environment
  • Effects of sound on marine mammals

Marine Mammal Acoustics

  • Vocalisation types and characteristics
  • Species-specific acoustic signatures
  • Identification through sound

PAM Systems & Technology

  • Hydrophone systems and configurations
  • Acoustic processing and detection systems
  • Overview of software platforms used in PAM operations

Operational Application

  • PAM system set-up and deployment
  • Spectrogram configuration and interpretation
  • Detection techniques and monitoring strategies
  • Real-time mitigation and reporting
  • Troubleshooting and system limitations

Regulatory Context

  • Local and regional mitigation guidelines
  • Integration of PAM within MMO operations
  • Role of the PAM Operator in offshore compliance

Course Structure

  • Approximate study commitment: 2–4 hours a Day (depending on experience and pace)
  • Total video content: ~3 hours 56 minutes
  • Includes:
    • Structured lessons
    • Practical interpretation exercises
    • Assessments and quizzes

Assessment & Standards

All assessments are:

  • Automatically graded
  • Held to a 100% pass requirement

This ensures:

  • Accuracy in acoustic interpretation
  • Reliability in mitigation support
  • Professional standard of knowledge

Assessment conditions:

  • Each attempt overwrites the previous submission
  • Repeated unsuccessful attempts may trigger facilitator review
  • Course progression may be reset if required

Correct answers are not provided, as this would compromise certification integrity.

Certification

Upon successful completion, you will receive a:

Certificate of Achievement – Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)

This certificate:

  • Confirms theoretical understanding of PAM systems and acoustic monitoring principles
  • Supports progression into PAM-supported MMO roles or PAM Operator pathways

Certification is issued to the individual who completes the course and is non-transferable.

Career Relevance

This course is designed to enhance professional capability in:

  • Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) roles
  • PAM Operator support roles
  • Offshore environmental monitoring teams
  • Marine research and consultancy

The integration of PAM skills significantly improves employability within offshore industries where acoustic monitoring is increasingly required alongside visual observation.

Support

Facilitators are available to assist with:

  • Acoustic concepts and interpretation
  • Software and system understanding
  • Course content clarification

This course is delivered to an individual learner. Certification is issued only to the individual who completes the training and is non-transferable.

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