Marine Mammal Observer – IFA1 in United Kingdom

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Role Definition

Job Description – Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)

Project: AMMA – IFA1 Export Cable Repair (RTE) Positions Required: 2 MMOs Start Date (Preliminary): From 19 January 2026 Estimated Duration: ~20 days (weather dependent) Work Location: Offshore (Voe Vanguard & Normand Jarstein) Shift Pattern: 12-hour rotations (24/7 operations) Accommodation: Onboard vessels

1. Project Context

The IFA1 Export Cable Repair campaign, led by RTE, involves mass flow excavation, diving operations, geophysical surveys, cable jointing, and cable laying activities. MMOs will be deployed onboard the Voe Vanguard and Normand Jarstein to ensure compliance with RTE’s HSE Specification 14 and environmental mitigation procedures.

2. Role Summary

The Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) is responsible for detecting marine mammals and sea turtles within the mitigation zone (Exclusion Zone – EZ) prior to and during offshore operations. The MMO advises the crew on marine mammal mitigation procedures and recommends delaying or stopping operations if protected species are observed or abnormal behavior is detected.

The role includes visual monitoring, environmental compliance, crew awareness, and accurate reporting of all observations.

3. Key Responsibilities

Environmental Monitoring

• Conduct continuous visual monitoring for marine mammals and sea turtles.

• Identify species and behavior patterns whenever possible.

• Determine distance to animals using approved methods (reticle binoculars or range-finding sticks).

• Trigger mitigation measures:

  • Delay start-up if animals are detected within the EZ.

  • Stop operations if abnormal behavior is observed.

Operational Integration

• Attend pre-mobilization meetings and toolbox talks.

• Brief vessel crew on mitigation requirements and marine mammal awareness.

• Maintain clear and direct communication with vessel leadership for real-time mitigation implementation.

• Ensure alignment with all consent/licence conditions and RTE environmental requirements.

Data Collection & Reporting

• Record all sightings using approved JNCC or regulator-required forms.

• Submit accurate raw data (Excel), including:

  • Marine mammal sightings

  • Photos and videos (full definition)

  • Acoustic recordings, if applicable

• Provide a comprehensive MMO report as part of the project’s HSE close-out documentation.

4. Required Qualifications & Competencies

Mandatory Certifications

• JNCC MMO Certification (field-based training required)

• BOSIET / FOET

• Valid Offshore Medical Fitness Certificate

• UK Passport or valid UK Work Visa

Note: If the candidate is a trained biologist with relevant field experience, RTE may accept an e-learning-based MMO qualification.

Technical Competencies

• Proven experience visually detecting marine mammals.

• Ability to identify species commonly found in the project area.

• Familiarity with marine mammal behavior and offshore mitigation procedures.

• Experience working offshore on vessels.

• For some activities (e.g., offshore substation piling), a minimum of 20 weeks of field experience in the past 10 years is required.

• Newly qualified MMOs may be accepted only if paired with an experienced mentor MMO.

5. Equipment Requirements

MMOs must bring their own:

• Standard offshore PPE (helmet, safety boots, gloves, hi-vis, etc.)

• Binoculars (preferably reticle binoculars)

• Polarized sunglasses

• Laptop

• Personal field gear for cold, wind, and spray

• Range-finding tool (or binoculars with reticles)

• A camera-equipped MMO is strongly

MMOs must also carry a copy of the RTE HSE Specification 14 and all required recording forms.

6. Reporting Requirements

The MMO must provide:

• Raw data spreadsheets (not PDFs)

• High-quality photos/videos of all sightings (marine mammals, turtles, birds, fish, etc.)

• All acoustic files (raw recordings)

• A complete MMO final report attached to the HSE close-out report

Reports must comply with RTE’s documentation standards and regulator requirements.

7. Project Logistics

• Mobilization Port: To be confirmed

• Vessels:

  • Voe Vanguard – Mass Flow Excavation & Survey

  • Normand Jarstein – Diving Operations & Cable Repair

• Operations: 24/7 with 12-hour shifts

• Accommodation: Offshore, onboard vessel

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