https://www.nauticalarchaeologysociety.org/colonial-port-development
Be part of an exciting new research project uncovering the hidden stories of colonial ports in Australia and Pakistan and help bring maritime history to life for future generations.
One paid position and lots of volunteer roles available. See below for more details.
Investigating Colonial Port Development through the Lloyd’s Register Archive is a unique international collaboration exploring how ports shaped trade, migration, communities, and everyday life across the colonial world. Using the world-renowned Lloyd’s Register Archive, volunteer researchers will investigate historic harbour infrastructure, ship movements, cargoes, and the people who worked and travelled through these ports.
Whether you are an aspiring researcher, heritage enthusiast, student, or citizen scientist, this project offers a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in maritime archaeological research while contributing to ground-breaking international heritage work.
Participants will receive for free:
- Online training in maritime archaeological and archival research
- Access to digitised historical records and research materials
- Mentorship from international heritage professionals
- Opportunities to collaborate across Australia, Pakistan, and the UK
- Experience contributing to real-world historical investigations
The project is a collaboration of the Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology and MaritimEA Research, with support from the Nautical Archaeology Society and funding from Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
While most of the research will take place online, there will be a group of UK-based volunteers working directly with the Lloyd’s Register Archive in London, helping uncover and contextualise materials that are often difficult to access internationally.
This one-year feasibility study aims to lay the groundwork for future citizen-science fieldwork, wider public interpretation projects, and new approaches to sharing maritime heritage with local communities around the world.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED – Paid Administrator and Coordinator
We are looking for an independent contractor to provide coordination and research support services for the Colonial Port Development Archive Project. This person should:
- be based in Australia
- have access to a computer, the internet and have reasonable online skills
- be curious about history, archives, or maritime culture
See the position description for more details.
To apply, please submit your CV and a short cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to education@nauticalarchaeologysociety.org by 20 June 2026.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED – Volunteers
We welcome volunteer participants who:
- are based in Australia, Pakistan and the UK
- have access to a computer, the internet and have reasonable online skills
- are curious about history, archives, or maritime culture
- are able to commit to about ten days of online research over 12-months of participation (flexible schedule)
No experience is needed! You don’t need prior archive skills or knowledge of colonial port history — just an interest in learning.
To express your interest in being a volunteer, send an email to education@nauticalarchaeologysociety.org with a short paragraph about why you’d like to be part of this project by 20 July 2026.
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