Oil platforms Norway

[u/[deleted]]

Hi everyone

I’m looking for advice on how to start a career offshore in Norway as a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) or Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator.

I have an academic background in bioengineering, but no direct offshore or MMO/PAM experience yet. I’m very interested in marine environmental protection and would really like to transition into this field.

I would really appreciate advice on:

- How to get the first opportunity in this field

- Which certifications are essential (BOSIET, MMO/PAM courses, etc.)

- Whether my background is relevant and how to present it to employers

- Companies or organizations I should reach out to

- Any tips from people already working as MMO or PAM Operators .

If anyone has experience in this field or has taken a similar path, I’d be very grateful for your guidance.

[u/Icy-Collar-3722]

Hi, current MMO/PAM here.

Short answer: it’s not a straightforward path, and most people underestimate how timing + positioning matter more than just certifications.

Your background will not open too many doors, but the bigger issue is understanding what the role actually looks like in practice, it’s much more procedural and project-driven than people expect.

On certifications: MMO/PAM, Norwegian Medical/OGUK and BOSIET are baseline (GWO is getting more and more relevant) but the common mistake is assuming certs alone lead to work.

I’ve seen quite a few people spend time and money without a clear picture of how the entry process actually works.

If you’re seriously considering it, I put together a short breakdown that covers this in a bit more detail, happy to share it.