Issue date: 17 January 2025

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea (MOF-ROK), in accordance with the contract for the exploration for polymetallic sulphides signed with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) on 24 June 2014, is offering four (4) at-sea on-board training placements to candidates from developing States under its 2025 training programme.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW:

In this regard, two exploration cruises will be organized by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) within MOF-ROK’s contract area in the Indian Ocean using research vessel Isabu. These cruises are intended to advance knowledge of subsurface geological structures through integrated geological and environmental surveying. Two placements will be offered on each cruise leg as outlined below:

  1. a) The first leg which is scheduled from May 5 to May 28, 2025will focus on marine electromagnetic exploration to develop a comprehensive understanding of subsurface geological structures. Please note that trainee positions may remain unfilled if no candidate meets the standards required for this specialized mission.
  2. b) The second leg is scheduled for June 1 to June 15, 2025 and will focus on geological and environmental surveying near Seafloor Massive Sulphide (SMS) deposits. Training opportunities will include geological and environmental sampling activities involving the collection of sulphides, rocks, sediments, seawater, and benthos.

Nb. The above schedules are provisional and may be subject to adjustments. Any change will be communicated to selected candidates with as much advance notice as possible.

ELIGIBILITY:

Candidates should meet the following criteria:

  • Educational Background:
    • First leg: Trainees participating in the first marine electromagnetic exploration must hold at least a master’s degree in Geophysics.
    • Second leg: Trainees should possess a qualified bachelor’s or master’s degree in Geology, marine science, or an equivalent
  • Language Proficiency: sufficient knowledge of English for daily conversation and training.
  • Health: Good mental and physical health suitable for training on-board ship and in the lab.
  • Age: must be under 45 years of age.

 

Important Note:

  • If selected, the trainee will be required to submit a physical examination report, signed by licensed physician, stating that the trainee is physically fit for a month-long on-board training.
  • Trainees shall sign a confidentiality agreement with MOF-ROK and will receive certificates upon successful completion of the training.
  • A report on the outcome of the training must be submitted to MOF-ROK and ISA before trainees will receive their certificates.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT:

MOF-ROK will cover all the relevant costs 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.

HOW TO APPLY:

All interested applicants are invited to register through the ISA online portal through which they will submit their applications together with the necessary requested documents including:

  • A copy of current passport photo and valid passport biopage;
  • Signed nomination form [docx | pdf] by the nominating entity;
  • Copy of degree/certificate;
  • Copy of CV or Resume; and
  • Proof of sufficient knowledge of English or French.

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)/PMS

Year:                                 2025

Programme Name:          At-sea on-board

Specialization:                  N/A

 

Application Deadline: 15 February 2025

 

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.