Applications are now open for two (2) undergraduate scholarships for candidates from developing States, Members of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The placements are provided by Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. (TOML) in accordance with its obligations under its contracts for exploration for polymetallic nodules (PMN) with ISA.
The undergraduate degree programmes will be offered through the University of the South Pacific (USP), Laucala campus in Fiji. The scholarships are open to candidates seeking to pursue studies in the following fields: marine science/management, biology, environmental science/management, earth sciences, geosciences, geology, or engineering. Preference will be provided to those with an interest in polymetallic nodules, ocean sustainability and international law of the sea.
Semester 1 is set to commence in February 2024 and the trainee is expected to complete the undergraduate programme within the standard time frame of the degree of study (this can be 3 or 4 years depending on the programme).
Candidates should indicate their preferred degree programme and possess the requirements for acceptance to the programme. Candidates should demonstrate an interest in the seafloor minerals industry (preference will be provided to those with an interest in polymetallic nodules and ocean sustainability) and a sound knowledge of spoken and written English.
Please visit this link for more information and to apply. Applications by qualified candidates should be received no later than 23 June 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 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), TOML 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