Issue Date: 3 February 2025

Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML) in accordance with its exploration contract for polymetallic nodules signed with the International Seabed Authority on 11 January 2012 is offering two (2) training opportunities for candidates from developing States to participate in an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Deep Sea Technical Training Course within its 2025 training programme.

Training Programme Overview:

This training programme aims to build comprehensive expertise in the practical aspects of deep-sea mining. Participants will undergo 20 days of intensive AUV training at AMC Search in Tasmania, Australia focusing on the technical and operational skills required for deep-sea research and exploration. The training is scheduled for Q4 2025 (Upon confirmation, the exact date will be communicated to trainees well in advance).

Eligibility:

Candidates should meet the following criteria:

• Educational Background: A degree in marine science, engineering, environmental science, or a related field.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of 2 years in marine research, underwater robotics, environmental monitoring, or related fields.
• Technical Skills: Experience with underwater vehicles, oceanographic data collection, and basic programming.
• Attributes: Strong problem-solving skills, a passion for deep-sea research and exploration, and an interest in deep-sea mining. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Language Proficiency: Must be able to speak and understand English fluently, attested by a certificate where applicable.
• Health: Good state of health, suitable for training at sea.
• Recommended: Seagoing and/or Surface Vessel navigation experience
• Vaccinations: Proof of COVID-19 and/or other vaccinations that may be required for travel to Australian as per legally required.

Financial Support:

TOML will provide the following for selected trainees:

• Tuition: Full coverage of in-person training costs.
• Travel: Round-trip economy-class airfare to Tasmania, Australia and reimbursement for travel insurance.
• On-Ground Transport: Transportation within Tasmania during the training period.
• Accommodation: Lodging for the duration of the training in Australia.
• Meals: Daily meals during the training period in Australia.
• Stipend: A modest lump-sum stipend for any additional costs in Australia.
• Visa Support: Assistance with obtaining the necessary visa for travel to Australia.

Important Note:

Participation in this training programme is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to gain an entry visa into Australia as well as potential visas to transit through other relevant countries. Additionally, passports must have sufficient validity beyond the end of the training period. Candidates must research and ensure they meet the visa requirements and can obtain the necessary travel documents prior to applying for this training opportunity.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The selected candidates will be required to sign the ISA Contractors’ Training Programme Code of Conduct for Trainees prior to the start of the programme.

No later than four (4) weeks after the training has ended, each trainee shall submit an end-of-training report to TOML and the Authority 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, trainees shall receive a certificate from ISA.

Trainees 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 ISA CTP Application Portal, along with their supporting documents, including:

• A coloured passport sized photo
• A copy of current passport biopage;
• Duly completed and signed nomination form [docx | pdf] by the nominating entity;
• Copy of degree(s) and/or relevant certificate(s);
• Copy of CV or Resume ; and
• Proof of English competence, as required.

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:          AUV Training

Specialization:                 N/A

 Application Deadline:  9 April 2025. 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 the training opportunities to qualified women applicants.