Imagine spending your days on the open ocean, witnessing the graceful breaching of whales, playful pods of dolphins, and majestic sea turtles, all while contributing to the protection of marine ecosystems. If that sounds like your dream job, then becoming a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) might be the offbeat career choice you’re looking for.
In a world where traditional desk jobs dominate, becoming a Marine Mammal Observer offers a rare chance to combine adventure, science, and conservation. Here’s your practical guide to launching into this unique career path, along with insider tips and tricks to thrive.
What Exactly is a Marine Mammal Observer?
MMOs are environmental professionals who work to monitor and protect marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, seals, and sea turtles, during industrial activities at sea. These activities – think offshore drilling, seismic surveys, or wind farm construction – can produce noise pollution and other disturbances that threaten marine wildlife. The job of the MMO is to ensure these operations comply with regulations, to mitigate any harm to animals, and to halt operations if necessary when marine life is spotted in danger zones.
It’s not just a desk job – you’re actively observing, documenting, and sometimes making critical decisions that affect wildlife. Plus, you’re out in the field, often working on ships, oil rigs, or coastal zones.
What You’ll Do as an MMO
Your primary responsibility is to visually scan the ocean for the presence of marine mammals. Armed with binoculars, cameras, and sometimes sonar equipment, you’ll identify species, track their movements, and record their behaviors. During offshore operations, MMOs ensure that activities like seismic testing (which uses loud airguns) don’t overlap with marine mammals’ presence.
If any mammals are sighted within a certain distance from the work zone – known as the “exclusion zone” – you can call for operations to pause until the animals have safely passed.
How to Become a Marine Mammal Observer
1. Get Qualified
While some may assume that any marine enthusiast can jump into this role, becoming an MMO requires a solid educational background and a few key certifications.
- Educational Background: A degree in marine biology, environmental science, zoology, or a related field is often preferred. Knowledge of marine mammal species and their behavior is essential for identification and decision-making.
- Training Courses: Several specialized training programs provide certification as a Marine Mammal Observer. These are often short courses (a few days to a week) covering species identification, regulations, and proper observation techniques.
- Additional Certifications: You may need to complete additional safety and operational certifications, such as the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), which is necessary if you’re working offshore on oil and gas rigs.
2. Skills to Develop
Being a successful MMO requires a mix of scientific knowledge, patience, and quick decision-making. Here are some crucial skills to hone:
- Keen Observation: You’ll spend long hours scanning the horizon, so sharp eyesight and attention to detail are key.
- Knowledge of Marine Species: Learning to identify different species quickly is vital, as various regulations apply to different animals.
- Resilience: The job can be physically and mentally demanding – expect to spend long days in challenging conditions, from blistering heat to biting cold.
- Data Collection: Precision in recording sightings and conditions is crucial. Data is typically logged into standardized forms for reporting, so accuracy is key.
3. Networking and Gaining Experience
Getting your foot in the door as an MMO can be challenging. It helps to network with professionals in the field and to build a strong resume through internships or volunteer work. Volunteering with marine conservation organizations, whale-watching companies, or marine research projects can give you hands-on experience with marine species.
Many MMOs get their start through consulting firms that specialize in environmental monitoring, so research companies that hire for these roles. Websites like LinkedIn, Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA), and Environmental Jobs Boards can help you find open positions.
The Lifestyle of an MMO
As an MMO, your life will be anything but conventional. You’ll spend weeks or even months at sea, working long shifts in varying weather conditions. This can be an incredible adventure for ocean lovers, but it also demands adaptability and a passion for the environment.
Here are a few things you can expect:
- Travel: MMOs are often deployed to work all over the world, from the Arctic to tropical oceans. Your career might take you to some remote and pristine marine environments, allowing you to experience untouched marine life.
- Life at Sea: Working on vessels can be physically demanding, and life on board requires teamwork, self-sufficiency, and a bit of an adventurous spirit. You might experience stunning sunsets and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sightings, but you’ll also need to adapt to tight quarters and seasickness.
- Flexible Work Schedules: Many MMOs work on a rotational basis, meaning you might work for a few weeks or months at sea, followed by extended periods of downtime. This could allow for a lifestyle where travel and adventure mix with work.
Insider Tips for Aspiring MMOs
- Learn Your Gear: Get comfortable with binoculars, cameras, and GPS systems, as these tools will be your best friends. The more familiar you are with the gear, the easier it will be to spot marine life quickly.
- Stay Current on Regulations: Marine conservation regulations can vary by region, so keeping up to date with changes in laws and guidelines is essential.
- Be Ready for All Conditions: Pack wisely for time at sea. Sunscreen, high-quality polarized sunglasses, windproof jackets, and seasickness remedies are must-haves. Conditions change quickly on the ocean, and being well-prepared is crucial to staying focused on the job.
- Practice Patience: You might go hours or even days without seeing a single animal, and then in a split second, an entire pod of dolphins could appear. Patience is a virtue in this career – marine mammals don’t work on a schedule.
Is It Right for You?
Becoming an MMO is not for everyone. It requires a love of the ocean, adaptability, and the ability to handle the isolation and long hours that come with life at sea. However, if you’re passionate about marine conservation and dream of an offbeat, adventure-filled career, this might just be the path for you.
It’s an ideal job for those who thrive in non-traditional work environments and who care deeply about preserving the marine world for future generations. Whether you’re monitoring a pod of dolphins off the coast of Africa or halting a seismic survey in the Arctic to protect a migrating whale, you’ll be playing a vital role in safeguarding our oceans.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an ocean-centered, meaningful career, becoming a Marine Mammal Observer is a rewarding and unconventional option. You’ll experience the beauty of the marine world firsthand, while actively contributing to its protection. With a mix of adventure, travel, and conservation work, it’s a career that truly connects you with the sea. So, get certified, start networking, and prepare for a life at sea!
