Issue date: 17 March 2026
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea (MOF-ROK), in accordance with its contract for the exploration of cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts (CFC) signed with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) on 27 March 2018, is offering three (3) at-sea on-board training opportunities to candidates from developing States within its 2026 training programme.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The cruise will be organized by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) within the MOF-ROK’s contract area in the western Pacific Ocean, using the R/V Isabu. The cruise is scheduled from 13 August to 7 September 2026 (approximately 26 days), with port of dis/embarkation being Guam, Western Pacific (dates and port may be subject to change and will be communicated in advance for preparation purposes).
Two (2) of the training placements will focus on geological surveying techniques and sampling, while the third will focus on environmental surveying techniques and sampling. Sampling activities may include, but are not limited to, core drilling, sediment sampling, seawater sampling, and benthic sampling.
ELIGIBILITY
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Education:
- Two (2) candidates must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in marine geology or a related field.
- One (1) candidate must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in marine science or marine biology, or a related field.
- Language: Sufficient proficiency in English for daily communication and training.
- Health: Good mental and physical health suitable for work on board and in laboratory environments.
- Age: Must be under 45 years of age.
- Visa: selected candidates must be able to obtain requisite U.S. visas to enter Guam.
Disclaimer: Employees of ISA’s exploration contractors are not eligible to apply to the Contractors’ Training Programme.
COST BEARING
MOF-ROK undertakes to cover all costs in direct relation to the training programmes including: round-trip economy-class airfare; accommodation and meals as well as medical insurance for the duration of the training period; and other incidental expenses incurred during the training period.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
If selected, trainees will be required to submit a physical examination report, signed by a licensed physician, confirming that they are fit for approximately one month of on-board training.
Trainees will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement with MOF and will receive a certificate upon completion of the training. A final report on the outcome of the training must also be submitted to MOF and the Authority.
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)/CFC
Year: 2026
Programme Name: At-sea training
Application Deadline: 17 April 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 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.