LOCATION
TeST Centre 
Seibersdorf, Austria 

DATES
11-15 November 2024
 

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:  

• 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;  
   
• 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;  
   
• 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:

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, nominations of individuals should be directly related to the relevant IMS facility.  

In order for the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) to keep updated records for the relevant IMS facility, States Signatories are requested to either amend new information via an official station operator nomination note verbal from the relevant office, or have the current station operator communicate to the PTS an updated list of the local support staff of the station in a timely manner. 

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


APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Nominations together with the registration form(s) should be submitted only through established official channels (the Permanent Missions to the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO or Ministries of Foreign Affairs) to the PTS point of contact above, no later than 31 July 2024.

Applicants are requested to use the following registration form: 

However, pending the official nomination, the 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.

State 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 Verbale from the PTS, in order to ensure timely processing.