Issue Date: 27 August 2024

 

(UPDATED 1 November 2024)

Rank Candidate Sex Country Country Class.
First-ranked candidate
1  

Mohamed Salah Ibrahim Ismail Hassan

 M  

Egypt

 

  
Reserve or Alternate Candidate
R1  

Lamjahao Sitlhou

 

 M  

India

 
R2 Cyril Kariuki M  

Kenya

 

  
R3 Godwin Ezra Ikwutah M Nigeria  

 

Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. (TOML), in accordance with its contract for the exploration for polymetallic nodules signed with ISA on 11 January 2012, is offering one (1) at-sea training opportunity to a candidate from a developing State, in 2025.

 

OUTLINE

The selected candidate will join an exploration cruise to the Eastern CCZ in the Pacific Ocean. The scope of work will focus on collecting environmental baseline data for polymetallic nodule in view of a potential application for a plan of work for exploitation in the Eastern CCZ, including benthic and water sampling, and oceanographic moorings.

During the cruise, the trainee will be integrated with the experts and scientists. Training will include:

  • Preparation, on-board handling, and deployment of benthic sampling equipment (USNEL-type box core) and water sampling equipment (McLane pump rosette).
  • Onboard sample processing techniques (sediment macrofauna and water samples).
  • Launch and recovery of oceanographic moorings, and instrument servicing.
  • Oceanographic and acoustic data handling and storage, data quality control.
  • General aspects of work and environmental safety at sea.

Training in equipment operation and sample / data acquisition techniques will depend on which equipment is being deployed during the cruise and those which are best suited to the candidates’ educational and professional background.

 

DURATION

The cruise is anticipated to start on 1 June 2025 for up to 60 days at sea (including transit from port to site and back). Port of mobilisation and demobilisation is to be confirmed (likely either San Diego, USA or Panama).

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be considered for this programme, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Education: A bachelor’s /master’s degree in marine science, engineering, environmental science, or a related field.
  • Work Experience: A minimum of 2 years in marine research, oceanographic monitoring, environmental monitoring, or related fields. At least one-year practical experience in the candidate’s field of specialization.
  • Language: A sound knowledge of English (spoken and written), attested by a certificate where applicable.
  • Health: Good state of health, suitable to work at sea along with proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 according to US immigration requirements to enter the USA. The selected candidate will be required to pass an offshore medical to join the vessel. TOML will advise on which certificate is required.
  • Nationality: Applicant must be a national of a developing country that is a Member State of the International Seabed Authority.
  • Other: seagoing experience is recommended.

 

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

TOML undertakes to cover all relevant costs directly associated with the training programme. This includes visa fee(s), round-trip airfare (economy), travel insurance with medical coverage, accommodation, and subsistence costs.

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The selected candidate will be required to sign the ISA Contractors’ Training Programme Code of Conduct for Trainees prior to the start of the programme. The candidate shall also sign a confidentiality agreement with TOML.

The successful candidate shall also be required to complete Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) as a prerequisite for joining the vessel. This will be organized by the Contractor.

No later than four (4) weeks after the training has ended, the trainee shall submit an end-of-training report to TOML and ISA outlining, amongst other things, the training completed, the benefits of the training opportunity, the knowledge gained and how the training will advance their career/educational pursuits. The report shall also include key performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of the training activities.

Upon successful completion of the programme, the trainee shall receive a certificate from ISA.

The trainee shall also be required to submit a supplementary report to ISA five (5) years after the training has been completed, to allow for an assessment of the long-term benefits of the programme.

 

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 coloured passport sized photo
  • A copy of their passport biographical page.
  • Duly completed Nomination and Recommendation Form [[doc/pdf].
  • Copy of degree(s) and/or relevant certificate(s)
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
  • Proof of sufficient knowledge of English.

 

Applicants must select the following options when applying for this training opportunity on the Application Portal:

Contractor Name:               Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML)/PMN

Year:                                   2025

Programme Name:            At-sea   

Specialization:                   Not Applicable

 

Application Deadline: 30 September 2024. 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), TOML has pledged to allocate 50% of its training opportunities to qualified women applicants.