Maritime archaeology courses
Avocational 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 become more intensive as graduates progress through the program.
Part 1 - next course 2 & 3 March 2013.
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 include:
- History of maritime archaeology
- Underwater survey techniques
- How to research, search for and find sites
- 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.
AIMA/NAS Part 1 course (PDF 49 KB) or (Word 42 KB)Part 2
To complete Part 2, students must attend seven approved maritime archaeology lectures OR a survey day school including two lectures and practical survey work. The practical part of the course can be carried out either underwater or on land, depending on the needs of the students. Finally, a short survey report on a project of choice must be submitted.
Part 3 and 4
Part 3 and 4 involve the accumulation of a considerable number of contact hours in approved subject areas and the presentation of a significant portfolio of work on an approved subject or project.
Common Questions
Do I need to be a SCUBA Diver to do this course?
No, Part 1 and 2 courses have a practical survey component which can be completed on land or using inter-tidal sites.
How much does it cost?
Part 1 courses are usually around $195 for the weekend.
Where are the courses held?
The courses are usually hosted by dive shops in Victoria, but can also be taught in high schools and other institutions.
How often do the courses run?
Part 1 courses are run two or three times per year and Part 2 courses are run a couple of times per year. See the ‘Upcoming Courses’ section below.
How do I get more information?
To learn more visit www.aima.iinet.net.au or contact Toni Massey at: toni.massey@dpcd.vic.gov.au
Upcoming Courses
Part 1 will be run on the weekend of 2 & 3 March 2013.Part 2 will be run later in 2013.
If you would like to register your interest for these courses please contact Toni Massey.
Professional Courses
Flinders University in Adelaide provides undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Maritime Archaeology. For more information visit: