https://www.aima-underwater.org.au/app/events/events/view?event=aima-conference-2026#overview

We are excited to announce the 2026 AIMA Conference will be held in Geelong! We look forward to welcoming you to Victoria from 18-20 September 2026. This conference will be hybrid in format with in-person and online registration options.

For the Love of It: Celebrating Avocational Contributions to Maritime Archaeology

Across the world many individuals share a deep passion for maritime archaeology and underwater cultural heritage. We are captivated by shipwrecks, by maritime histories, and the sites and artefacts that now rest beneath the water’s surface. While a small number pursue maritime archaeology as a profession, it is those who engage in this study “for the love of it” who form the true backbone of maritime archaeology.

We welcome you to Victoria where passionate members of the public have long been at the forefront of maritime archaeological fieldwork, monitoring, searching, research, education, advocacy and museum management. From groups such as the Maritime Archaeology Association of Victoria and Amazon 1863 Project Inc, to many maritime museums assisted by volunteers, and to dedicated individuals such as Jack Loney, Terry Arnott and Don Love. Passionate Victorians have played an invaluable role in establishing legislation and the political will to advance maritime archaeology across the State, as have similar groups and individuals throughout Australasia.

However, keeping these community-driven efforts alive is not without immense challenges. Funding, insurance, online platforms, health and safety regulations, and even difficulties in engaging new audiences, all threaten to sink volunteers and volunteer organisations. What keeps us afloat is a shared passion, a common purpose, and the strength of community support.

This conference celebrates the avocational groups and individuals who have contributed and are contributing to the research, protection and preservation of maritime and underwater cultural heritage – divers monitoring sites, passionate avocational groups, researchers and surveyors who devote endless hours, museum volunteers who bring stories to life. Without them, we literally would not be here (and not only because AIMA and this conference is run by volunteers too)!

In particular, we invite volunteers, and all others with a passion for maritime archaeology and heritage, to share their projects, achievements and challenges. We also encourage deeper conversations about the future: How we can better support avocational efforts? What is the evolving role of volunteers in maritime archaeology? What new opportunities can be created to support their continued and meaningful involvement?

Join us in Geelong to celebrate and strengthen the diverse community of people united by their love for maritime and underwater cultural heritage.