Applications are now open for five (5) at-sea onboard training opportunities for candidates from developing States, Members of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The placements are provided by Beijing Pioneer Hi-tech. Development Corporation Ltd. (BPC) in accordance with its obligations under its contracts for exploration for polymetallic nodules (PMN) with ISA.
The five training placements will be subdivided as follows: two placements will focus on environmental surveys, two placements on geological surveys and one placement on geophysical surveys. The training will take place onboard BPC’s 2023 Western Pacific cruise research vessel. Trainees will cruise with BCP’s experts to their polymetallic nodule contract area located in the West Pacific Ocean. The programme is tentatively scheduled to start in early July 2023, for a duration of approximately 40 days.
During the exploration cruise, systematic and theoretical training will be arranged for the trainees by senior scientific and technical personnel who specialize in all research areas involved in deep-sea mineral exploration and exploitation. This will be done mainly by holding small workshops with an emphasis on interaction between trainers and trainees. BPC will provide the trainees with the necessary resources for the training, such as teachers, teaching equipment, laboratory equipment and other necessary support resources.
Trainees, depending on their discipline, will cover geological and geophysical survey methods for polymetallic nodules resource exploration, as well as environmental survey research methods such as environmental baseline survey and sample analysis. They will also receive practical hands-on training related to deck operation, geological description, field chemical analysis and testing, and environmental investigation, etc.
As a minimum requirement, candidates should hold a Bachelor of Science degree in a related field such as geology, geophysics, biology, environmental, mining engineering, mechanical engineering, metallurgical engineering, or an equivalent qualification. Candidates must possess the relevant scientific research or ocean management skills and have a good command of the English language (both written and spoken).
Please visit this link for more information and to apply. Applications by qualified candidates should be received no later than 30 April 2023. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed.
***
All contractors with ISA have a legal obligation to provide and fund training opportunities for personnel from developing States and those of ISA.
The legal basis for the requirement stems from the provisions of UNCLOS and the 1994 Agreement and is set out in the standard terms of contracts. Its purpose is to ensure that personnel from developing States are provided with appropriate operational expertise to enable them to participate in deep-seabed mining.
Please visit this page to know more about the Contractor Training Programme.
For additional information, please contact:
Ms. Annekah Mason, Training Coordinator, ISA, training@isa.org.jm