Passive Accoustic Monitoring Officer in Maidstone

The Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator supports environmental compliance during offshore operations by detecting marine mammals acoustically using towed hydrophone arrays and specialized monitoring software. The operator ensures that marine operations adhere to RTE Specification HSE 14 and advises the vessel when mitigation measures must be applied (delay of start-up or shutdown of activity). This role is critical to ensuring environmental protection during activities such as mass-flow excavation, diving operations, geophysical survey, cable cutting, jointing, and cable laying.

Key Responsibilities

• Acoustic Monitoring
  • Deploy, operate, and maintain the PAM system (towed array, cabling, acoustic station).
  • Conduct real-time acoustic detection of marine mammals throughout operations.
  • Identify acoustic signatures and classify species where possible.
  • Determine bearing and range to detected animals using software tools.
  • Ensure continuous monitoring during all relevant activities.
• Mitigation Implementation
  • Initiate marine mammal mitigation procedures:
  • Delay operation start if animals are detected within the exclusion zone (EZ).
  • Advise shutdown if abnormal behavior is observed.
  • Maintain clear communication with the MMO (when present) and vessel leadership.
  • Ensure all environmental conditions in consents/licence documents are respected.
• Operational Support
  • Attend pre-mobilization meetings to clarify workflow and responsibilities.
  • Conduct marine mammal awareness briefings for vessel crew.
  • Ensure PAM operations integrate smoothly with vessel schedules and constraints.
• Reporting
  • Complete all required acoustic monitoring forms in raw data format (Excel).
  • Provide full acoustic recordings (unprocessed).
  • Contribute to the final PAM report for inclusion in the HSE close-out report.
  • Maintain accurate logs of detections, conditions, and any mitigation actions taken.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Mandatory Certifications
  • Recognized PAM Operator certification including field-based training
  • BOSIET / FOET
  • Valid offshore medical certificate
  • UK passport or valid UK work visa
  • English fluency
• Technical Competencies
  • Ability to assemble, test, and deploy a towed PAM array safely.
  • Proficiency with PAM software (e.g., PAMGuard or equivalent).
  • Competence in identifying marine mammal acoustic signals.
  • Ability to interpret bearing and range information from hydrophone data.
  • Familiarity with marine mammal species and behavior relevant to the project area.
• Experience Requirements
  • At least 1 week of field experience acoustically monitoring marine mammals within the last 10 years.
  • Preferably experience in regions similar to the project location.
  • For offshore substation piling (if applicable), the requirement increases to 20 weeks of field experience over the past 10 years.
  • Newly qualified PAM Operators may be accepted only if paired with an experienced mentor.

Equipment Requirements

PAM Operators must bring their own:

• Basic offshore PPE (helmet, boots, gloves, hi-vis, etc.)
• Laptop
• Clothing suitable for cold, wind, spray
• Complete PAM system including:
• Towed array hydrophone
• Required cabling
• Acoustic monitoring station (computer + interface)
• Relevant software
• All recording and reporting templates (JNCC or regulator-compliant)

Mission Logistics

• Mobilization: From 19 January 2026
• Duration: Approx. 20 offshore days (weather dependent)
• Mobilization Port: To be confirmed
• Vessels:
• Voe Vanguard – excavation & survey
• Normand Jarstein – diving & cable repair
• Operations run 24/7, requiring continuous PAM coverage.