LOCATION
Vienna International Centre and TeST Centre Seibersdorf
Vienna, Austria

DATES
19-23 May 2025

LANGUAGE
The working language will be English

OBJECTIVES
To provide station operators with the basic knowledge and technical understanding on the operations, maintenance and management of an IMS station using waveform technology and, more specifically, to provide hands-on training for the various operational and maintenance procedures.


AGENDA
The five (5) day TTP will be conducted by PTS and USGS Staff and will cover the following topics:

1. Overview of sensors, digitizers and equipment used in IMS Stations covering all hardware functionality, input and output requirements, appropriate applications, installation techniques, initial set-up parameters and methods of calibration;
2. Demonstration, as well as hands on training, into digitizer software functionality when paired with sensors, covering information management, configuration and data monitoring; The software demonstration shall focus on maintenance and operational issues including, remote troubleshooting, common error indicators, likely problem causes and potential fixes; 
3. Extensive demonstration and hands-on opportunity to connect and pair sensors to digitizers which focuses on field installation issues, required common and specialized tools and testing equipment, initial set-up parameters, common error indicators, likely problem causes and potential fixes, and fine tuning the installed system to achieve desired data quality results.
    

PARTICIPANT PROFILE
Station operators for station with Parent Network Operator USGS/ASL, from the stations listed below:
 

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Invited States Signatories should nominate participant(s) who are station operators involved in the operation and maintenance.

In an effort to ensure that relevant technical training is provided to the appropriate person, it should be ensured that nominated individuals are directly related to the relevant IMS facility.

Any amendments and/or updates to the IMS facilities are to be shared with the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) via an official station operator nomination Note Verbale to the PTS or via a timely communication by the current station operator with an updated list of the local support staff. This will allow the PTS to maintain an updated record of the facilities. 

Candidates must be proficient in English and should preferably have a basic understanding of Linux.

 
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Nominations, together with the registration forms should be submitted to the PTS point of contact only through the established official channels (Permanent Missions to the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO or Ministries of Foreign Affairs), no later than 15 February 2025. 

However, pending official nomination, participants may email the registration upon its approval by a Director of the institution or firm, to allow timely travel and accommodation arrangements by the PTS.

Applications/Nominations are to be submitted via the hereby provided the registration form by the deadline of 15 February 2025 

States Signatories are encouraged to nominate qualified female candidates.
 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
In accordance with the Staff regulations and rules and Administrative Directives, the PTS will provide a Daily 
Subsistence Allowance (DSA) and financial support to cover travel costs:

• A Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) that is sufficient to cover the related expenses during the training program;
• The PTS travel agent will reserve, issue and forward the flight ticket to the participants for the most direct and economic route;
• Funded participants are not allowed to purchase their own tickets, unless, under exceptional circumstances, they are authorized to do so, and only if this proves to be most cost effective option for the PTS;
• The PTS will make accommodation arrangements and hotel confirmation reservations will be sent to participants; and 
• Health insurance will be provided that covers the duration of the training.

Requirement: Scanned passport copies.


OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

Participation
The training program is open only for station operators from invited countries.

Visas
Participants should apply for visas, if needed, at the corresponding Embassy/Consular office upon receipt of an Acceptance Note Verbal from the PTS, in order to ensure timely processing.