On 16 June 2023, the Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) confirmed the selection of two (2) candidates for training opportunities provided by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea (MOF-ROK) in accordance with its obligations under its exploration contract for cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts with ISA.
The selected trainees are:
- Md. Harun Or Rashid from Bangladesh (Marine Geology placement)
- Evangeline S. Sapul from the Philippines (Marine science/ Marine biology placement)
The cruise, which will be organized by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), will take place onboard R/V Isabu within the MOF-ROK contract area in western Pacific Ocean. It is scheduled for August 2023 for approximately 25 days with a focus on geological and environmental surveying (dates may be subject to change, candidates will be provided with as much prior notice as possible).
The training opportunities will be divided as follows: one placement will focus on geological surveying techniques and data processing (such as rock and sediment sampling using various coring and dredging methods), while the other will focus on environmental surveying focusing on biological and chemical characteristics of the water and seafloor.
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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