On 26 May 2023, the Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) confirmed the selection of five (5) candidates for training opportunities provided by Beijing Pioneer Hi-tech. Development Corporation Ltd. (BPC) in accordance with its obligations under its exploration contract for polymetallic nodules with ISA.
Mr. Lawrence T. Koteene from Kenya and Ms. Elizabeth Nwamba from Nigeria were selected to benefit from an at-sea training on-board with a focus on environmental survey.
Ms. Lucia Cattana from Argentina and Ms. Susie Cahyanti B. Tasman from Malaysia were selected to benefit from an at-sea training on-board with a focus on geological survey.
Mr. John T. Omondi from Kenya was selected to benefit from an at-sea training on-board with a focus on geophysical survey.
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.
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All contractors with ISA have a legal obligation to provide and fund practical training opportunities for personnel from developing States and those of ISA, including the participation of such personnel in all activities in the Area which are covered by the contract.
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 exploration contracts signed with ISA.
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