Description
Standalone Online Professional Development Course
Scanning Ocean Sectors (SoS)
Course Description
Australia’s High Seas Biodiversity Act 2026, implementing the international Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, represents an important development in Australian marine environmental legislation and the protection of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
This standalone online course has been developed by Scanning Ocean Sectors to provide Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs), Marine Fauna Observers (MFOs), Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators and other marine environmental professionals with an understanding of Australia’s new legislative framework and its implications for offshore operations.
The course examines the BBNJ Agreement, Australia’s environmental impact assessment (EIA) and approval processes, and the role of marine fauna monitoring in supporting environmental assessment, mitigation and regulatory compliance.
Particular attention is given to offshore seismic surveys, underwater noise, marine mammal monitoring and the distinction between Australian legislative obligations, applicable operational guidelines and project-specific environmental approval conditions.
Although the BBNJ Agreement is international, this course focuses specifically on Australia’s implementation of the Treaty and its regulatory requirements.
What Will You Learn?
On successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the purpose and key provisions of the international BBNJ Agreement.
- Understand Australia’s High Seas Biodiversity Act 2026 and its relationship with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
- Identify when activities affecting the high-seas marine environment may require referral, environmental assessment and approval under Australian legislation.
- Understand the stages of Australia’s environmental impact assessment process.
- Recognise how MMO, MFO and PAM activities may contribute to environmental assessment, monitoring and mitigation.
- Distinguish between Australian legislative requirements, operational mitigation guidelines and project-specific approval conditions.
- Understand the importance of accurate marine fauna observations, acoustic monitoring and environmental reporting.
Who Should Enrol?
This course is designed for qualified MMOs, MFOs, PAM operators, marine environmental consultants, offshore survey personnel and other marine environmental professionals working in, or preparing to work under, Australian regulatory requirements.
It is particularly relevant to professionals involved in seismic surveys, offshore construction, marine scientific research and other activities that may affect marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
Professionals trained under other national frameworks may also benefit from understanding Australia’s approach to implementing the BBNJ Agreement.
Course Delivery and Assessment
The course is delivered entirely online, allowing participants to study at their own pace and from any location.
A knowledge assessment is included, with a required pass mark of 100% and a maximum of five attempts.
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Scanning Ocean Sectors Certificate of Completion — Australian High Seas Biodiversity (BBNJ) Regulatory Update 2026.
This course provides Australian regulatory awareness and continuing professional development. It does not replace initial MMO, MFO or PAM training, confer a separate operational qualification, or provide certification under other countries’ regulatory frameworks.
Course Fees
Previous Scanning Ocean Sectors students: £25
External marine environmental professionals: £40
The update is included at no additional cost for new students enrolling in the full Australian EPBC Upgrade Course. Eligible recently enrolled SoS students may also access the update under the existing three-month free-update policy.
All fees include online learning materials, assessment and certification.
Stay Informed. Stay Current. Protect Our Oceans.
As Australia’s marine environmental legislation evolves, maintaining current regulatory knowledge is an important part of professional offshore environmental practice.
Scanning Ocean Sectors — Providing specialist marine mammal, marine fauna and passive acoustic monitoring training since 2003.
