Written by MFOR Media on 03 July 2025.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea (MOF-ROK), together with the International Seabed Authority (ISA), carried out its 2025 at-sea training focused on exploring polymetallic sulphides. The programme aimed to build skills for developing countries and included an Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) from the Geoscience Division during the second part of the trip. This phase took place aboard the research vessel R/V Isabu in mid-June and focused on geological and environmental surveys in MOF-ROK’s contract area in the Indian Ocean. The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) led a hands-on deep-sea training, where the ECOP gained practical experience in using ROPOS, sediment coring, CTD profiling, and sampling marine life near hydrothermal vents. The programme boosted skills in seabed exploration, environmental monitoring, and data collection. Sincere thanks to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Republic of Korea, for funding this programme.