Maritime archaeology courses

Maritime archaeology courses

Are you interested in learning more about maritime archaeology? Staff from Heritage Victoria teach the Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology’s (AIMA) Foreshore and Underwater Archaeology Training Program in various locations around Melbourne and regional Victoria. The internationally accredited course is licensed to AIMA from the Nautical Archaeology Society in the UK.

Course details

The course is made up of four parts, which get more intensive as graduates progress through the program. Part 1 is a two day (usually a weekend) course that equips participants with the basics of underwater archaeology. Students can then become volunteers in field expeditions, or even organise a team to survey shipwrecks or other maritime archaeology sites. Topics covered:

• History of maritime archaeology
• Underwater survey techniques
• How to research, search for and find sites (using remote sensing and position fixing equipment)
• Artefact conservation
• Heritage laws

Students participate in a simulated underwater survey (on land), and draw up their results. At the end of the two days there is a short quiz, and graduates receive the internationally accredited Certificate in Foreshore and Underwater Archaeology. This course is taught by maritime archaeologists around the world, including in the UK, South Africa, the United States, Sri Lanka, Japan and Taiwan.

Who can join?

• You don’t need to be a SCUBA Diver to do the Part 1 or Part 2 courses as practical survey components can be done on intertidal sites.
• The courses are usually hosted by dive shops in Victoria, but can also be taught in high schools to students in Year 10 and above.
• Part 1 courses are run 3 or 4 times per yea
  
  

• Part 2 courses a couple of times a year
• The cost of courses is kept much lower than diving certifications because of Heritage Victoria’s commitment to public education
• Part 1 courses are usually around $220 for the weekend
• Student discount is available

For more information on the courses go to www.aima.iinet.net.au or contact Hanna Steyne, Victorian State Tutor hanna.steyne@dpcd.vic.gov.au.