Deep Ocean Resources Development Co., Ltd. (DORD)

UPDATE (31 August 2022) The following candidates have been selected:

Issue Date: 2 June 2022

Deep Ocean Resources Development Co., Ltd. (DORD), in accordance with its exploration contract for polymetallic nodules signed with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) on 20 June 2001, is offering five (5) at-sea on-board training placements for candidates from developing States within its 2022 training programme.

Objectives and Goals of the Training Programme

• The objective of the training is to expose trainees to on-board training skills and geophysical technique for the exploration of deep-sea mineral resources.
• The goals of the programme are to improve upon planning skills for marine survey; to acquire on-board survey techniques; and to enhance data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Furthermore, DORD wish to deepen trainees’ understanding of Japan’s marine mineral resource development through the historical development and current status of Japan’s domestic non-ferrous mining, smelting and refining business.

Contents of the Training Programme

The programme is planned for between 27 October and 4 December 2022 for a duration of 39 days. (Dates may be subjected to change due to pandemic situation in which case candidates will be notified with as much prior notice as is possible).  

The programme will be conducted in two phases:

Phase 1: At-sea training on-board a research vessel for a 20-day cruise survey. Training will include marine seismic reflection survey, marine geological survey using magnetometer and gravimeter, and marine geological mapping, as well as practical training on exploration technology of marine mineral resources.

Phase 2: On-land training for 19-days which will include tours of the facilities related to former mine sites, parts of the heritage that shows history of the Japanese industry; marine resource development such as marine geology and seabed mineral resources; as well as lectures by the experts in various field related to marine resource development.

General Qualifications of Candidates

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor, master’s or doctoral degree in science or engineering in the relevant field of geophysics, oceanography or have an equivalent educational background.

2. Professional Experience: At least one-year work experience in the relevant field.

3. Language: Proficiency in English - written and spoken – attested by certificate if required.

4. Health: Good mental and physical health, suitable to work at sea.

5. Age: Under 45 years of age.

6. Other: Seagoing experience (optional).

Cost-bearing

DORD will pay round-trip airfare (economy class) to Japan and provide travel insurance with transportation, meals, lodging, and medical insurance within the scope of the training plan in Japan.

Other Requirements

Trainees will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement with DORD as well as submit reports on the outcome of their training to DORD and ISA. Upon successful completion of the training trainees will also receive certificates.

Applications should be submitted not later than 31 July 2022 either through:

(i)     The online training portal.  Users applying through the online portal, must upload a copy of a passport photo, the signed nomination, degree / certificates and résumé; or

(ii)    Email, in one of the two working languages (English or French) of ISA Secretariat, to training@isa.org.jm using the correct forms below.

• Application form (docx | pdf) to be completed by the applicant;
• Nomination form (docx | pdf) to be completed by the institution or governmental department; 
• Copy of Degree and other relevant Certificates;
• Proof of English;
• Copy of CV or Résumé.

 One of the Voluntary Commitments that the ISA made at the UN Ocean Conference 2017 was ‘Enhancing the role of Women in Deep-Sea Research through Capacity Building’ – we therefore strongly encourage suitably qualified female to apply for these training opportunities.