On 15 March 2022, the Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) confirmed the selection of candidates for four (4) online training opportunities provided by China Ocean Mineral Resources R & D Association (COMRA) in accordance with its obligations under its exploration contract for polymetallic sulphides with ISA.
The selected candidates are:
- Ms. Joyce Uan from Kiribati
- Ms. Linda Bana from Ghana
- Mr. Muhammad Saleem Chang from Pakistan
- Mr. Ahmed M. Amer from Egypt
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related constraints, the in-person fellowship training programme postponed in 2020 has now been converted to an online training course aimed at: improving the capacity of the trainees in marine science and technology; familiarizing them with basic knowledge of deep-sea resource exploration and development, international deep-sea laws and policies, deep-sea environment and ecosystem, deep-sea technology and equipment and operational norms; improving their skills in deep-sea resources survey and deep-sea equipment application; and laying a foundation for further scientific research, technological development and application related to the exploration and development of deep-sea polymetallic sulphides.
The training will be organized and implemented by the National Deep Sea Center (NDSC) under the mandate of COMRA. The course will comprise nineteen (19) compulsory courses on polymetallic sulphides and 6 optional courses on polymetallic nodules provided through 48 pre-recorded video sessions (45 minutes per session).
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All contractors with ISA have a legal obligation to provide and fund practical training opportunities for personnel from developing States and those of ISA, including the participation of such personnel in all activities in the Area which are covered by the contract.
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 exploration contracts signed with ISA.
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