iCAN contributes to 3 main areas, respectively: (i) developing human resources, (ii) monitoring impact and (iii) enabling collaboration. Consequently, the objectives of iCAN are to:

• Develop human resources to ensure ownership and transfer of expertise and knowledge, including scientific knowledge relating to activities in the area;
• Monitor the mid-term and long-term impacts of training provided;
• Enable the Secretariat to access and leverage the expertise of former participants and trainees, where possible, as mentors, experts or consultants.b

To qualify to join the iCAN, all potential candidates should meet the following criteria:

• Successfully completed a training or capacity development programme offered by ISA;
• Willingness to be part of the alumni network and to contribute to activities and projects of ISA, where relevant;
• Fill the application form, agree to the terms of membership and submit the completed application form.

*Note to former CTP trainees only. If the training was completed more than five years ago, candidates are required to submit within 1 month of joining the alumni network a second report that assesses the long-term benefits they have gained from the training as per ISA/19/LTC/14

• Networking opportunities with other professionals in the deep seabed mining industry.
• Access to ISA library resources.
• Opportunities to participate in alumni network activities, such as workshops, conferences, and online forums.
• Opportunities to participate and where possible contribute to the work of ISA during international events such as World Oceans Day, International Women’s Day, events at international conferences, national workshops, and other deep seabed initiatives.
• Free access to at least one module of ISA Deep Dive Course (Deep Dive 1).
• Be a part of the future talent pool!

As a former participants or trainee of ISA capacity development programmes, initiatives or activities, you have a unique opportunity to be part of this exciting initiative. iCAN is more than just a network; it’s a platform for growth, collaboration, and making a lasting impact on the future of deep seabed matters.

To register to be a member of iCAN, fill out the membership application form.

*Note: Applications to iCAN are currently closed and will be reopened at a later date. Please continue to monitor the website to know when applications to iCAN will be reopened. The Secretariat thanks you for your interest in joining the Alumni Network and looks forward to receiving your application in the next cycle.

Once the application has been reviewed, ISA will send a formal confirmation to candidates who have successfully met the eligibility criteria and therefore accepted as members of the Alumni network.

We look forward to the officially launch event of iCAN to bring together a vibrant community of former capacity development participants and trainees who are passionate about the sustainable exploration and responsible management of the international seabed.