Scanning Ocean Sectors was formed in 2003 after 3 years of research into the effectiveness of Marine Mammal Observers.
The foundation for the course was formulated on this research, with the assistance of Dr Peter Evans (Sea Watch foundation), Ben Maughan (UK Hydrographic Office), Ed Harland (formerly QinetiQ, now Chickerell Bioacoustics), Graham Smith (formerly QinetiQ, Now SERCO) and Yvonne Miles (formerly Southampton Solent University, now, Scanning Ocean Sectors).
Visit
http://www.scanningoceansectors.org/about-us/staff.html for more information on the Training Course Staff.
The initial courses were first tested on and used for the training of Royal Navy personnel. The training proved very effective for the RN and assisted them in their aims of using best practice. The course evolved over the 3 years of research and changes took into account all the outcomes, resulting in a well-balanced course.
The MMO course was then standardised to provide what we consider to be the best training for an MMO. The standardisation ensures that each MMO we train will complete the course with all the most relevant up to date information and the MMO will be well equipped for all employing industries and research. This ensures that all sightings data collected will be as accurate as the environmental conditions allow. We give FREE updated training every 3 years to every student who has trained with us, to ensure continuing effectiveness.
The MMO course can now be taken a number of times during each year. The course is lead by a team of experts in their fields, with the course being constantly monitored, reviewed and updated by the company, students and staff. The MMO course has been approved by JNCC.
We are now venturing for the first time to South Africa!
