To help people who are interested in acquiring practical training of this kind, a British non-government organisation, the Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) has created and developed a clear and practical training programme in the methods and techniques of underwater archaeology. The NAS training program is internationaly recognized by ICOMOS department of UNESCO.

Our volunteears will attend the NAS training program in Saint Florent, on the Island of Corsica with archaeologist Arnaud Cazenave de la Roche from La Société d’Etudes en Archéologie Subaquatique.

The NAS training programme has four different stages:

Introduction Certificate in Underwater Archaeology

This is a five days course starting with an introduction to archaeology and maritime archaeology and folowed by learning how to introduce archaeological projects from the planning phase through to carrying out a 3D survey and publishing the results.

The course combines both theory and practical sessions, where partcipants will plan and carry out their own small survey project, taking the survey from 2D methods to 3D.

Intermediate Certificate in Underwater Archaeology

After learning the basics, the Part II certificate encourages you to use them by producing a short survey report on a site of your choice. You will also need to develop a broader awarness of current activities in archaeology by attending two days of conferences or heritage events.

Advanced Certificate in Underwater Archaeology

Part III is a broad qualification achieved by attending short courses. Courses are run in 8 different modules including archaeological science, survey, recording and conservation, covering topics such as dendrochronology, photomosaics and geophysics.

Diploma in Underwater Archaeology

This is the final element of the NAS Programme, and provides a certification level for a fieldworker capable of supervising on site in conjunction with an archaeological director. The qualification is achieved through gaining fieldwork experience and the produciton of a report.