The Programme aimed to assist in developing marine ecology education and skills to support successful applicants at the early stages of their careers in the marine environmental profession. Due to a lack of locally bases MMOs on the island of Ireland, the programme aims to fill the gap in the Irish offshore wind industry's local supply chain.
It was open to recent graduates, final-year undergraduates and postgraduate students who studied or worked in the area of marine science or related disciplines.
The five chosen candidates participated in industry-endorsed training programs, such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), United Kingdom's Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) MMO training with Irish Guideline modules, and Offshore Energies U.K (OEUK) approved medical and Fit-to-Train certifications.
Participants took part in MMO training provided by the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group (IWDG) and spent two nights onboard the research vessel, Celtic Mist, at Kilrush, Co Clare, followed by a half-day at sea.
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Additionally, all attendees received a one-year complimentary membership to IWDG, the Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA), and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science, and Technology (IMarEST), along with professional mentoring assistance and access to the Career Development Pathway.
ESB's Offshore Ecology Team said: "The ESB Marine Mammal Observer Training Programme, launched in 2023, represented a significant milestone. As of 2024, Ireland now has five newly trained and much-needed MMOs as a result of this initiative. Through this Programme, ESB has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Marine Mammal Observer role in Ireland, nurturing local talent which will be essential in the delivery of ESB's Net Zero targets by 2040. Our funding has facilitated opportunities to enhance skilled work readiness and has strengthened local talent in collaborating with local organisations such as the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group amid Ireland's renewable energy expansion. At the heart of this Programme is the inspiration and support of young professionals seeking fulfilling careers in marine ecology and sustainable energy".
Amy O'Reilly, one of the newly trained MMOs, shared her insights into the experience: "The ESB MMO Training Programme has been a wonderful opportunity and unforgettable experience for me. When I first applied, I had a history of volunteering with marine wildlife charities and was in the middle of a nine-month internship with the cetacean charity, Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch. ESB recognised my passion and drive towards building a career in the Marine Science field. Some of my highlights from the Programme included sleeping on board the Celtic Mist, undergoing training by the very wise and seasoned MMO Mr. Patrick Lyne and, of course, escaping from a helicopter underwater in the BOSIET training. I am delighted to say that with this training as a foundation, I have been able to get my first MMO role with IWDG Consulting working on a short project in Dublin Port".
