Issue date: 7 November 2025
Marawa Research and Exploration Ltd. (Marawa) in accordance with its contract for exploration for polymetallic nodules, signed with the International Seabed Authority on 29 January 2015, is offering two (2) training opportunities to candidates from developing States within its 2026 training programme.
Training Programme Overview
The training programme will offer two candidates the opportunity to participate in the 2026 International Foundation for the Law of the Sea (IFLOS) Summer Academy in Hamburg, Germany. The IFLOS Summer Academy, held annually at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), offers an intensive programme on the law of the sea, maritime law, and dispute settlement. This initiative supports capacity-building and aims to strengthen legal expertise relating to the governance of ocean resources.
The Summer Academy is typically held over four weeks, tentatively from July to August 2026. The specific dates will be confirmed by IFLOS and communicated to the selected trainees well in advance.
Eligibility
The candidate should meet the following criteria:
Educational Background: Applicants are expected to hold a master’s degree (LL.M. or equivalent) and to have an advanced knowledge of public international law, law of the sea or maritime law. Exceptions may be granted to bachelor’s (LL.B. or equivalent) with either a master’s course in progress or professional tasks related to the curriculum of the Summer Academy.
Professional Experience: A minimum of 3 years’ working experience relevant to international law of the sea and maritime law.
Attributes: Strong focus on public international law, law of the sea, or maritime law is strongly considered.
Language Proficiency: Must be able to speak and understand English fluently, attested by a certificate, where applicable.
Health: Good state of health.
Vaccinations: Proof of COVID-19 and/or other vaccinations that may be required for travel to the Schengen region, as per legal requirement.
Disclaimer: Employees of ISA’s exploration contractors are not eligible to apply to the Contractors’ Training Programme.
Cost Bearing
Marawa will cover all relevant costs directly related to the training which includes: Tuition – Full IFLOS Summer Academy fee; International airfares (economy class, return ticket) to Hamburg, Germany, including travel insurance reimbursement; Accommodation for the full duration of the training; Daily Meals – Meal allowance or organized meals during the programme; Local Transport – Public transport within Hamburg for programme-related travel; Stipend – Modest lump-sum stipend to cover miscellaneous expenses; Visa Support – Assistance in securing the necessary entry visa to Germany.
Important Note
Participation in this training programme is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to gain an entry visa into Germany as well as potential visas to transit through other relevant countries. Additionally, the candidates’ passports must have sufficient validity beyond the end of the training period. Prior to applying for this training opportunity, applicants are strongly encouraged to research and ensure they meet the visa requirements and can obtain the necessary travel documents.
Other Requirements
The selected candidates will be required to 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 Marawa 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. The trainee shall also be required to submit a supplementary report to ISA 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 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 [docx | pdf] by the nominating entity;
- Copy of degree(s) and/or relevant certificate(s);
- Copy of CV or Resume; and
- Proof of English competence, as required.
Applicants must select the following options when applying for this training opportunity on the Application Portal:
Contractor Name: Marawa Research and Exploration Ltd. (Marawa) PMN
Year: 2026
Programme Name: IFLOS Summer Academy
Specialization: N/A
Application Deadline: 15 January 2026. 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 at the 2022 UN Ocean Conference aims at “Advancing women’s empowerment in marine scientific research”– As partner of the Women in Deep-Sea Research project (WIDSR), Marawa has pledged to allocate 50% of the training opportunities to qualified women applicants.