Issue Date: 17 November 2025
In accordance with its contract for exploration for polymetallic nodules, signed with the International Seabed Authority on 27 April 2001, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Government of the Republic of Korea (MOF-ROK) is offering six theoretical and practical on-board training placements to candidates from developing States within its 2026 training programme.
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
This three-week training programme is aimed at strengthening the capacity of developing States in the fields of deep-sea mineral exploration and marine environmental management. Through theoretical instruction and practical onboard training, it seeks to facilitate effective knowledge transfer, enhance human resource development, and promote the meaningful participation of developing States in related activities.
Theoretical Training – Week 1 (23-27 February 2026)
Candidates will receive lectures providing an overview of marine mineral resources, including polymetallic nodules (PMN), polymetallic sulphides (PMS), and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts (CFC). They will also go on field visits to relevant domestic institutions and facilities, such as KRISO, the Underwater Robot Test Center, the Library of Marine Samples, etc.
Practical On-board Training – Week 2 (3-6 March 2026)
Candidates will participate in practical training on-board Research Vessel Isabu which will focus on operating sampling equipment and collecting environmental samples using a CTD, multicorer (MC), and plankton nets in coastal waters.
Theoretical Training – Week 3 (9-13 March 2026)
This part of the training comprises laboratory exercises, including analysis of nodule composition, processing of biological and sediment samples, DNA sequencing, and zooplankton image analysis using ZooScan, etc.
The above schedule may be subjected to change depending on internal circumstances. Any such changes will be communicated well in advance to the selected candidates.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for this programme, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in marine science, environmental science or a related discipline.
- Language Proficiency: Candidates must have sufficient knowledge of English to communicate effectively in daily conversation and training activities.
- Health: Candidates must be in good mental and physical health, suitable for participation in onboard and laboratory training.
- Age: Candidates must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
Disclaimer: Employees of ISA’s exploration contractors are not eligible to apply to the Contractors’ Training Programme.
COST BEARING
MOF-ROK will cover all costs relevant to the training programme including: i) transportation costs (round-trip economy class) accrued by trainees pursuant to their participation in the programme; ii) accommodations and meals; iii) medical insurance; and iv) other incidental expenses that might arise during the training period.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Selected candidates shall sign the ISA Contractors’ Training Programme Code of Conduct for Trainees prior to the start of the programme.
No later than four (4) weeks after the training has ended, the trainee shall submit an end-of-training report to MOF-ROK and the Authority outlining, amongst other things, the training completed, the benefits of the training opportunity, the knowledge gained and how the training will advance their career/educational pursuits.
Upon successful completion of the programme, the trainee shall receive a certificate from the Authority. Trainees shall also submit a supplementary report to the Authority five (5) years after the training has been completed, to allow for an assessment of the long-term benefits of the programme.
HOW TO APPLY
All interested applicants are invited to register and submit their applications on the ISA CTP Application Portal, along with their supporting documents, including:
- A recent coloured passport sized photo;
- A copy of valid passport biopage;
- Duly completed and signed nomination form [doc/pdf] by the nominating entity.
- Copy of degree and/or certificate along with transcript
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
- Proof of sufficient knowledge of English, as required.
Applicants must select the following options when applying for this training opportunity on the Application Portal:
Contractor Name: Government of the Republic of Korea (MOF-ROK)/PMN
Year: 2026
Programme Name: Theoretical and Practical Training
Application Deadline: 17 December 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed.
One of the Voluntary Commitments registered by ISA at the 2017 UN Ocean Conference (#OceanAction 40768) and reiterated in 2022 was ‘Enhancing the role of Women in Marine Scientific Research through Capacity Building’ – As partner of the Women in Deep-Sea Research project (WIDSR), MOF-ROK has pledged to allocate 50% of its training opportunities to qualified women applicants.