Applications are now open for six (6) at-sea on-board training opportunities for candidates from developing States, Members of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The placements are being provided by China Ocean Mineral Resources R & D Association (COMRA) in accordance with its obligations under its contracts for exploration for polymetallic sulphides (PMS) with ISA.
The cruise is scheduled for approximately 40 days between January and March 2024 to conduct surveys in COMRA’s contract area for PMS in the southwest Indian Ridge using COMRA’s research vessel. The exact dates will be confirmed and are dependent on the ship’s schedule.
The objective of the at-sea training programme is to provide practical experience and activities related to PMS resources exploration and environmental baseline survey, including:
- Collection, processing, and analysis of geological and biological samples in the hydrothermal field;
- Geophysical survey planning and techniques for the use of geophysical survey tools and equipment;
- Sampling and evaluation of environmental baseline data, and;
- Scientific report writing.
As a minimum requirement, candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree-level education or higher in geology, geophysics, and marine environment (biology or ecology) or an equivalent educational background.
In addition, candidates must possess sufficient knowledge in English (both written and spoken).
Please visit this link for more information and to apply. Applications by qualified candidates should be received no later than 31 December 2023. 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), COMRA has pledged to allocate 50% of the training opportunities to qualified women applicants.
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All contractors with ISA have a legal obligation to provide and fund training opportunities for personnel from developing States and those of ISA.
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 contracts. Its purpose is to ensure that personnel from developing States are provided with appropriate operational expertise to enable them to participate in deep-seabed mining.
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