Heritage Awareness Diving Seminar (HADS)

https://www.fpan.us/training-courses/hads/

Join us for our in-person HADS seminar on May 14-16, 2026, click the button for registration options below.

https://commerce.cashnet.com/cashneti/static/storefront/uwfevnpay/catalog/FPAN

The Heritage Awareness Diving Seminar is intended to explain the advantages of conserving shipwrecks and other submerged cultural resources, not only to preserve information about our collective past, but also to preserve the vibrant ecosystems that grow around historic shipwrecks. HADS focuses on providing scuba training agency Course Directors, Instructor Trainers, and Instructors with a greater knowledge of how to proactively protect shipwrecks, artificial reefs, and other underwater cultural sites as part of the marine environment. HADS consists of two evenings of classroom instruction and one day of open water diving; Virtual HADS consists of two evenings of classroom instruction.

Participants receive the HADS workbook and access to all PowerPoint presentations to use in their own classes. Upon completion of the course, participants can teach the new Heritage Awareness Diving Specialty Course, approved by PADI, NAUI, and SDI, as well as incorporate underwater historic preservation into other courses. HADS is taught in partnership with the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research.

Contact Dr. Della Scott-Ireton at dscottireton@uwf.edu for more information about HADS.

The classroom sessions include a series of lectures and discussions on:

  • Maritime archaeology, shipwrecks, and underwater heritage tourism
  • Issues in conservation: take only photos and leave only bubbles
  • Laws pertaining to submerged cultural resources: international, federal, and state
  • Teaching outline and classroom modules for your training organization
  • And more…

2026: Nation’s Oldest Port® Maritime Archaeology Field School

Maritime Archaeology Training and Education

Since 2007, the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program (LAMP), the research arm of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, has provided professional and educational maritime archaeology training nearly every summer through our Nation’s Oldest Port® Field School.

Field school is a foundational component in the education of any student pursuing a career in archaeology. Each year, our professional archaeologists oversee an intense, five-week accredited program that provides undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on experience in maritime archaeological research.

In addition to methodological instruction and academic lectures, students gain real-world experience in all aspects of archaeology, including site set up, excavation, documentation, data management, and public outreach. We have partnered with Flagler College to organize and implement this four-credit course. Students may also set up course credit through their own university.

As an official American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Organizational Member, we are proud to offer AAUS Scientific Diver Training – run in conjunction with the field school.

2026 Field School Application

Applications for 2026 will open January 19th. 

Please check back for an updated link to the application documents.

2026 Field School Supervisor Application

LAMP will select at least two Field School Supervisors for the 2026 season. Supervisors must already be an AAUS Scientific Diver with prior experience assisting with archaeological fieldwork and an interest in developing leadership and mentoring skills.

Supervisors serve as on-site leaders and mentors, supporting daily field operations both on the vessel and on land, coordinating student crews, and helping ensure that fieldwork, data documentation, and field house operations run smoothly. When not in the field, supervisors also act as intermediaries between the students and LAMP staff.

Supervisors will also:

  • Present one academic lecture (topic to be approved prior to the start of the Field School)
  • Plan and lead one weekend group excursion (museum, archaeology site, historic site, etc.)
  • Assist with training stations during the initial week of field school

Please note that there is no paid compensation for this position, but room and board are provided. Supervisors will need to arrive two weeks prior to the start of field school.

Supervisor Applications for 2026 will open January 19th. 

Please check back for an updated link to the application documents.

For questions, please email LAMP at the contact information below.

Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program

81 Lighthouse Avenue
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
lamp@staugustinelighthouse.org
Phone: 904-829-0745, ext. 203

2026 Summer Maritime Archaeology: Maritime Archaeology expedition, Salt Cay

Maritime Archaeology expedition, Salt Cay

With approximately 60 inhabitants on 2.6 square miles, Salt Cay is the least populated of the main inhabited islands in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Tourists often bypass the island in favor of Grand Turk or Providenciales. In the colonial period, however, the island played an important role in Atlantic World trade networks.

Bermudians sailed their ships over 800 miles every year to visit Salt Cay for its salt. Historically, salt was considered “white gold” because in the absence of refrigeration, it provided one of the few ways to preserve food. The interior of Salt Cay consisted of a large natural salt pan and in combination with strong trade winds, hot days and little precipitation, it presented an ideal environment for natural production of this precious product. The Bermudians built salt storage facilities along the shore and created salt ponds with wind-powered pumps to increase production. The profitable salt industry left a mark on the island. Surrounded by the sea, Salt Cay functioned as a hub. To move people to the island, export salt, and connect the island to the wider Caribbean, a maritime focus was a must. Smaller vessels would come and go along the coast, moving goods on and off the island. Larger ships would set sail and deliver the salt to other Caribbean islands, the United States and even Europe.

Salt Cay and its surrounding waters are largely unexplored from an archaeological point of view. The goal of this expedition is to make an archaeological map of the island, and to learn more about the island’s past by studying specific sites in depth. During a reconnaissance trip in 2019, we discovered a number of underwater and terrestrial sites that we started to document in 2023. These include a wooden shipwreck in shallow water and the HMS Endymion, a British 44-gun warship that sank in 1790 south of Salt Cay. We continued our explorations in 2024 and 2025 by documenting three shipwrecks and discovered two more! During the 2026 expedition, we will document the newly found sites and explore Salt Cay and nearby uninhabited islands in order to find new sites.

This program is open to both divers and non-divers, as a lot of sites are in very shallow water and there is a terrestrial component to the expedition as well. To join as a snorkeler, you should be a good swimmer and be comfortable in the water. Because of the relatively easy dive conditions, for divers we only require a PADI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent certification from another training agency. Since we will be doing research underwater, there is a bit of task loading, which means you need to be comfortable in the water. The date of your last dive should be no more than a year before the start of the expedition. You are more than welcome to sign up for the program if you do not (yet) possess a dive certification. If you want to join the diving component,  you need to meet the requirements at the start of the program.

The expedition will comprise a 16-day program packed with adventure and exploration, for a total of approximately 100 hours of underwater and terrestrial fieldwork, lab work, training, workshops, and lectures.

This expedition is not for everyone, and we want to be honest about what you’ll be getting into. Salt Cay is a truly off the beaten path destination. Despite it being relatively close to the United States, it feels like the end of the earth. There are no shops or grocery stores on the island, so we will bring food with us from neighboring Grand Turk. Choices at the few restaurants are limited, so you can’t be a picky eater. It will be hot, humid, and sometimes uncomfortable. You need to be in good physical shape and be able to deal with the Caribbean summer heat. We will have internet connection, but it might not be very reliable. We don’t have a fixed schedule as several things are dependent on weather and other factors out of our control. This is the nature of an expedition.

Having said all of that, the island and its surrounding waters are absolutely stunning. There are beautiful white sandy beaches that you will have all to yourself. The water is clear and warm, and filled with life. The 60 or so people who live on Salt Cay are very friendly and will make you feel at home. Ending the day with a cold beer, watching the sun set over the deep blue Caribbean Sea is hard to beat. You’ll be part of a unique pioneering project, the first of its kind in the Turks Islands. We will survey uninhabited islets nearby, document submerged sites, and go to places where no researcher has ever been. It will be an experience of a lifetime.

Period(s) of Occupation: Colonial period, 17th-19th centuries

Notes:
Caribbean, underwater, archaeology, maritime, marine, shipwrecks

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 16 days

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: No experience required. For diving activities, a minimum of PADI Open Water (or equivalent certification from a different organization)

Room and Board Arrangements:
The first night will be spent on Grand Turk in a hotel (twin share). On Salt Cay, accommodation (shared) will be at two houses close to the dive shop, one of which is across from the beach. We will have a fully equipped kitchen, living area, porch with sea view, wifi, tv, and reverse osmosis faucets. Food and drinks will be provided for the duration of the project. We will bring most of our food from neighboring Grand Turk as there are no grocery stores on Salt Cay. For dinners, we will be going out to the restaurants on the island. While choices on the island are limited, the food is excellent. You will quickly become addicted to the fresh, locally-caught seafood! The cost for the expedition is USD 5,350. This includes the following: – All food and drinks (based on 3 meals per day) – 14 nights shared accommodation on Salt Cay (private room on request) – 1 night shared accommodation on Grand Turk – All training, presentations, and workshops – All diving and snorkeling activities – Boat transfers between Grand Turk and Salt Cay – Boat transfers to nearby uninhabited islands

Contact Information:

Ruud Stelten

Road to English Quarter

Oranjestad

St. Eustatius

info@theshipwrecksurvey.com

Phone: 31642311256

Summer 2026 Maritime Archaeology Field School: Maritime Archaeology on Bonaire

Maritime Archaeology on Bonaire

The Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire is best known as Divers Paradise. Its shallow surrounding waters are famous for the vibrant coral reefs that attract thousands of divers each year. Bonaire’s underwater archaeological heritage, however, is largely unexplored.

Bonaire played an important role in colonial-period history, as it was a supplier of large quantities of salt. Its salt pans were very productive and produced high-quality salt, which was used to preserve food before the invention of refrigerators. Remnants of this industry can be found all over the island, including the surrounding waters. Moreover, as low-lying Bonaire was a navigational hazard that could not easily be seen at night, many ships wrecked along its rocky shores. As a result, Bonaire’s waters are littered with shipwrecks, cannons, anchors, remains of old docks, ballast piles, and artifacts.

This field school aims to explore, study, and map archaeological remains in the waters surrounding the island. We will be documenting remains of shipwrecks, historic anchors and cannons, and remains of maritime infrastructure around the historic salt pans. Located in the Bonaire National Marine Park, these sites offer easy diving conditions and are home to a large variety of marine life, which makes for a fantastic research environment. Participants will have the opportunity to be part of this highly varied project, gaining hands-on experience in underwater archaeological research while being completely immersed in Caribbean history and archaeology.

In addition, we will start a survey of Bonaire’s uninhabited sister island Klein Bonaire. Located just offshore, Klein Bonaire’s waters have never been archaeologically surveyed. If weather conditions permit, we will also conduct a diving survey on the remote east coast of Bonaire. Numerous ships have wrecked on this rough coast over the centuries. Some areas are littered with remains of foundered ships, but much of this coastline remains unexplored. Diving here is a truly special experience.

The field school will comprise an 15-day program focused on exploring Bonaire’s waters and studying and documenting maritime archaeological remains. Participants will be completely immersed in Caribbean history and archaeology through various presentations, workshops, and site visits around the island. You will be actively involved in SCUBA diving surveys and archaeological documentation, and have some fun exploring the island as well. You will also have the opportunity to brush up on your diving skills at the start of the program through several in-water workshops. You are more than welcome to sign up for the program if you do not yet possess the required dive experience and certifications, as long as you meet the requirements at the start of the program. Bonaire is one of the best places in the world to do SCUBA training, so you can also opt to come to the island early for some dive training or fun dives.

The program includes the following components:

Underwater fieldwork

  • SCUBA diving surveys around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire
  • Underwater photography and videography
  • Photogrammetry (3D recording)
  • Site reporting
  • Recording cannons, anchors, and other artifacts
  • Recording shipwreck sites
  • Recording maritime infrastructure

Presentations and workshops

  • History and maritime archaeology of Bonaire
  • Underwater cultural heritage management
  • Underwater research methods
  • Underwater photography and photogrammetry for archaeologists
  • Diving skills for archaeologists

In the lab

  • Data processing
  • Photo and video editing
  • 3D modeling
  • Report writing

Tours and excursions

  • Island tour
  • Night dive
  • Washington-Slagbaai National Park tour

Dissemination of results

  • Public presentation to the people of Bonaire

Period(s) of Occupation: Colonial period (15th-19th centuries)

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 15 days

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: PADI Open Water certification or equivalent

Room and Board Arrangements:
Accommodation will be at a resort or private villa, depending on availability. We will let you know as soon as we finalize the booking. Accommodation is on a twin share basis (private room available at a surcharge). Our accommodation will include airconditioned bedrooms, laundry facilities, a fully-equipped kitchen, wifi, and a pool. In the past we’ve stayed at the Grand Windsock Resort and Villa Aventura. We believe that good food is key to a successful and productive project. Food will be provided for the duration of the project. We will ensure the fridge is always stocked with a variety of foods for breakfast and lunch. For dinner we like to mix things up: we will visit several different restaurants throughout the program, and might organize a barbeque or get take-out once in a while. Restaurants on Bonaire serve a variety of foods, including delicious local seafood and local meat, Western cuisine such as burgers, pasta, and pizza, and delicious Asian food. Every restaurant we go to also has vegetarian options. The total course fee is USD 5,200. This includes 14 nights shared accommodation, food and drinks based on three meals per day, all training, presentations, and workshops, airport pick up and drop off, all transportation on island, excursions and park fees

Contact Information:

Ruud Stelten

info@theshipwrecksurvey.com

Phone: +31642311256

Summer 2026 Underwater Archaeology Field school: Bulgaria: Nessebar Underwater Archaeology (IFR)

Bulgaria: Nessebar Underwater Archaeology (IFR)

Make your summer an adventure unlike any other by taking a deep dive into history and contributing to the preservation of Bulgaria’s maritime heritage. Nestled on a picturesque peninsula, Nessebar boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years, with traces of its past visible both above and below the water’s surface.  This field school offers the opportunity to explore the depths of the Black Sea, mapping the ancient city of Mesambria, while actively engaging with the local community to preserve their cultural heritage. You’ll play a vital role in initiatives such as establishing an underwater museum of archaeology, collaborating with locals, diving centers, tourists, and archaeologists alike to showcase the submerged heritage and landscapes of Nessebar.

Field school highlights:

  • Contribute to our understanding of coastal landscape changes & human adaptation strategies to sea level fluctuations.
  • Develop professional skills in underwater archaeology, including reconnaissance surveys, excavations, mapping, photogrammetry, 3D modeling, and more.
  • Experience the charm of Nessebar & the beauty of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast.

Period(s) of Occupation: Antiquity, Middle Ages

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Students are expected to stay the full length of the program.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: This program requires participants to have Open Water Diver Certification (any world-wide recognized training organization) and DAN diving insurance

Room and Board Arrangements:
Students will stay at the family hotel Emona Guest house in the Old Town Quarter of Nessebar. Rooms will have 2 or 3 beds with bathrooms with, TV, and air-conditioning. Cheap laundry service and free Wi-Fi is available. The distance from the hotel to the sites and the beach is approx. 200 / 400 m and it takes approx. 2 / 5 min to walk. Diving gear will be transported by a car. Meals. Breakfasts on workdays as well as the welcome and the farewell dinners are covered by the tuition fee. Students are responsible for their daily lunch and dinners and all meals on days off. Nessebar offers a variety of restaurants that can meet everyone’s preferences and dietary requirements – from fast food options to cozy gourmet restaurants. The average meal price (soup/salad, main dish and dessert) can cost between $10-$20. The project team will recommend restaurants for different preferences (cuisine, cost, dietary needs) and will arrange discounts for the students.

Academic Credit:
6 semester (9 quarter)

Contact Information:

Institute for Field Research

1855 Industrial Street, Unit 106

Los Angeles

CA

90021

United States

info@ifrglobal.org

Phone: 4242091173

Lecture: Maritime Archaeology and the African Diaspora: From Slave Ships to the Black Star Line

https://events.stanford.edu/event/oceans-department-faculty-search-seminar-justin-dunnavant

Traditional African diaspora archaeology has predominantly focused on terrestrial sites, exploring plantations, marronage, post-emancipation communities, and urban landscapes. However, recent advancements in maritime archaeology, coupled with the emergence of a new generation of researchers and groundbreaking discoveries, have significantly expanded the field’s scope. This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the history and current state of African diaspora maritime archaeology, while also outlining future research directions. Drawing on my personal experiences excavating the Clotilda and ongoing efforts to locate the Black Star Line, I will highlight the significance of underwater archaeology in reconstructing the complex narratives of the African diaspora.

NC Office of State Archaeology: OSA Lab Collections Technician OSA60083688

https://nc.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/NC_Careers/job/Pitt-County-NC/OSA-Lab-Collections-Technician-OSA60083688_JR-106689

The Collections Technician stationed at the Office of State Archaeology Conservation Lab (formerly the Queen Anne’s Revenge Conservation Lab) is a critical position within the Office of State Archaeology (OSA) in supporting the lab’s mission to conserve NC’s archaeological collections. OSA bears primary responsibility for the protection and management of thousands of terrestrial and submerged archaeological sites in our state, including the famous Queen Anne’s Revenge (QAR) near Beaufort, NC, for which the lab was established in 2003. The Collections Technician facilitates effective and efficient work by maintaining both physical and digital collections, performing artifact documentation, ensuring compliance with mandated health and safety requirements, and coordinating public education and outreach initiatives. The Collections Technician is a member of the OSA Lab team in Greenville, NC, located at East Carolina University’s West Research Campus and reports to the Head Conservator.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assisting with managing the collections archive by performing object inventories and maintaining image and collections databases.
• Photographing and documenting artifacts before, during, and after treatment.
• Maintaining artifacts in appropriate environments, monitoring changes and adjusting conditions as needed.
• Coordinating outreach events, including tours, community events, and open houses, and assisting with managing the Queen Anne’s Revenge Project website and social media.
• Ensuring the lab’s compliance with DNCR and ECU health and safety requirements, by maintaining inventories of chemicals and supplies, performing regular safety inspections, and scheduling annual waste pickup.
• Supervising and training lab interns and volunteers.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $35,984.00 – $38,781

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

  • Experience working with archaeological collections, particularly from submerged environments
  • Experience with object photography
  • Experience with lab safety procedures
  • Experience supervising interns and volunteers

Position/Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to work Monday – Friday 8am-5pm, with occasional weekend events (4-5 a year).
  • Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds often with or without accommodation.
  • Must be able to work in environmentally-controlled, indoor conditions but occasionally will be working in uncontrolled indoor conditions, and in outdoor conditions both on land and at sea.
  • Must be able to work occasionally with personal protective equipment as appropriate for noisy, dusty, or other chemical-related hazardous conditions.

This position is deemed eligible for hybrid telework under DNCR’s Telework Policy.

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. ​

This position is located at:

1157 VOA Site C Road

Greenville, NC 27834

Lecture: Underwater Archaeologist Ashley Lemke

https://calendar.uga.edu/event/lecture-underwater-archaeologist-ashley-lemke

Thursday, April 2, 2026 5:30pm

Ashley Lemke is an archaeologist and an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Her visit is presented by the Georgia Museum of Natural History, the department of anthropology, the Laboratory of Archaeology, and the Archaeology Institute of America, in partnership with the Willson Center for Humanities and Arts. It is part of the 2026 UGA Humanities Festival and the Willson Center’s Global Georgia public events series.

Lemke received her Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Michigan. An expert on submerged ancient sites, she has received grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Her books include Anthropological Archaeology Underwater and The Architecture of Hunting. She has directed research projects in North America and below its waters, including in the Great Lakes and Atlantic Ocean. She has conducted archaeological research in Europe in Germany, Spain, Romania, and Serbia.

Lemke collaborates with computer scientists to explore applications of virtual worlds, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality for archaeological research and discovery. She previously taught at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she received the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Outstanding Teaching Award for Tenure Track Faculty, and was inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Teachers. Lemke is a past chair of the Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology and Fellow of The Explorers Club.

2026 US (PA): Underwater Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Archaeology at Lake Erie

2026 US (PA) Lake Erie

This is an underwater Cultural Resource Management (CRM) field school. It is designed to train students for the specific needs of marine CRM and as a job training program. Students seeking training in academic underwater archaeology may participate but need to understand that the program will have significant concentration on compliance, legal frameworks of marine CRM and immersion in consultation practices.

Students will earn Research Diver Certification at the end of this program. A SCUBA certification course will be offered the week prior to the field school for students who do not possess a certification. Contact program director for more information.

This program provides accommodations only. Students are responsible for their own meals.

Cultural Resource Management, the legally required management and protection of our shared heritage, requires archaeologists to do more than just archaeology. CRM work requires an understanding of legal frameworks, professional ethics, consultation, and project management. Conducting CRM in an underwater environment also requires specialized skills in marine remote sensing, landscape reconstruction, and, occasionally, SCUBA diving.

This field school teaches the skills of underwater Cultural Resource Management through research on the submerged landscapes of Lake Erie. This program will not focus on shipwrecks (the more academic side of marine archaeology) but on understanding submerged landscapes as this is the mainstay of Marine CRM work and where the greatest need for trained marine CRM professionals is. The skills taught in this course are similar to those employed in CRM to identify sites prior to offshore energy (wind, oil, and gas) development. This course is appropriate for students interested in both Cultural Resource Management and traditional academic archaeology in an underwater environment.

NOAA Field Hydrographers

NOAA Coast Survey is excited to announce three openings for field hydrographers on our Navigation Response Teams. These teams engage in some of our most high visibility and impactful work, surveying ports and waterways following storms, groundings, and other incidents to restore the flow of maritime commerce and sustain the prosperity and national security of the United States.

We welcome applications from both entry-level and experienced hydrographers. These positions offer valuable hands-on experience for individuals eager to develop their skills in this critical field.

Please spread the word! For more details, please visit the job:

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/854206900

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of Coast Survey (OCS), Navigation Services Division (NSD), Navigation Response Branch (NRB) with one vacancy in each location: New London, CT; Gulfport, MS; Seattle, WA.

This position is also announced under vacancy number NOS OCS-26-12863410-ST, which is open to Status Candidates. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.

Students and early career professionals wanting experience with marine remote sensing should consider applying for one of these positions.

Call for Publication: 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage

https://www.mdpi.com/topics/554674P4Q3

Dear Colleagues,

The definition of tangible cultural heritage is wide and includes, but is not limited to, landscapes, built heritage, cities, territories, archaeological sites, minor historical centres, urban environments, cities, suburbs, villages, and hamlets (Article 1 of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention). It is widely accepted that the accurate spatial documentation (from 3D integrated metric surveys or from harmonised geospatial datasets) of these assets is crucial for preservation, restoration, historical analysis, revitalisation, and various other applications. Moreover, such 3D documentation could help, with its high accuracy, highly detailed datasets, or multiscale geodatabases, in planning processing involving different stakeholders, citizens, and local communities.

The proposed Topic will deal with advanced spatial documentation techniques, both 2D and 3D, leveraging contemporary geomatics technologies, GeoAI, 3D city models, and Digital Twins. Several specific documentation techniques can be used to achieve accurate and complete documentation of CH including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) for high-resolution aerial data acquisition using different sensors (e.g., RGB, thermal, multispectral data) and techniques (e.g., aerial imagery and photogrammetry with the aim to create detailed 2D products and 3D models);
  • Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and MMS (Mobile Mapping System) generating 3D point clouds with different degrees of accuracy and levels of detail;
  • Creation and publication of geodatabase from cartographic dataset of national geoportals (standards compliant with geographic information standards);
  • GeoAI approaches that use artificial intelligence to analyse, classify, and interpret geospatial data for cultural heritage applications;
  •  Novel technology for the metric documentation of CH.

For the application of these geomatics techniques to CH documentation, the following specific aims are considered in this Topic:

  • Provide precise and detailed 2D and 3D metric documentation (by means of geomatics techniques acquisitions and approaches) of cultural heritage assets;
  • Enable various analyses through the application of modern geomatics techniques and GeoAI;
  • Facilitate the creation and use of Digital Twins for cultural heritage sites;
  • Support diverse applications, including risk assessment, restoration planning, and heritage management;
  • Use the documentation to deal with possible scenarios like risk management, urban planning, sustainable plans, regulatory plans, restoration actions, etc.

We are targeting contributions that achieve the following:

  • Present case studies demonstrating the successful application of 2D and 3D metric documentation techniques in cultural heritage;
  • Explore innovative methods and technologies for spatial documentation;
  • Discuss the integration of documentation data into various analytical and application frameworks;
  • Analyse the impact of advanced spatial documentation on risk assessment, restoration planning, and heritage management.

This Topic highlights the importance of advanced spatial documentation in cultural heritage, with the aim of supporting independent researchers, professionals, and national public and private entities in its management, conservation, study, and promotion. By integrating cutting-edge geomatics techniques, GeoAI, and Digital Twins, this research will provide new insights and methodologies for comprehensive documentation, facilitating the various applications crucial for preserving and managing cultural heritage.

Furthermore, the proposed Topic seeks to advance the understanding and application of the available documentation approaches for Cultural Heritage. By fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration, this Topic also aims to contribute to the development of innovative solutions for the preservation and management of cultural heritage sites, ensuring their protection and appreciation for future generations.

Dr. Lorenzo Teppati Losè
Dr. Elisabetta Colucci
Dr. Arnadi Dhestaratri Murtiyoso
Topic Editors

PhD Position in Automated Underwater Acoustic Inspection Methods

The proposed PhD thesis topic: “Acoustic Non-Destructive Evaluation for Marine Archaeology and Submerged Infrastructure” 

https://academicpositions.com/ad/tallinn-university-of-technology/2026/phd-position-in-automated-underwater-acoustic-inspection-methods/243092

More than a thousand shipwrecks are known in the Baltic Sea, many of which still contain fuel, oil, or hazardous cargo. These wrecks continue to degrade over time due to progressive corrosion, yet their structural condition is often unknown. Regular inspection is severely constrained: visibility underwater is poor, manual diver-based surveys are costly, dangerous, and rarely feasible at depth. As a result, most wrecks are assessed only sporadically, and often only after environmental leakage becomes visible at the sea surface.

This doctoral project develops automated underwater acoustic inspection methods that enable non-contact characterization of submerged metallic structures using ultrasonic guided waves and acoustic arrays. The research focuses on extracting structural information from wavefields measured in water, with particular attention to corrosion detection and identification of internal liquid presence within wreck compartments. While shipwrecks in the Baltic Sea form the primary application scenario, the developed techniques are inherently general and applicable to offshore structures, ship hulls, flooded constructions, and underwater civil infrastructure.

The impact of the project lies in providing a scientific basis for future autonomous inspection systems for underwater structures, improving early detection capability, reducing inspection risk and cost, and supporting evidence-based environmental monitoring.

Scientific Background and Motivation

Assessing the condition of underwater archaeological sites, shipwrecks, and submerged infrastructure remains difficult because traditional inspection methods are constrained by poor visibility, access limitations, and the high cost and risk of diver operations. Sonar provides geometric information but cannot quantify corrosion or detect internal liquids, while contact-based ultrasonic thickness measurements require direct access and are impractical for large or hazardous structures.

Acoustic non-destructive evaluation using guided ultrasonic waves offers the potential for remote, wide-area sensing. Guided waves are inherently sensitive to corrosion, thinning, and fluid loading; however, their underwater application is fundamentally challenging. When structures are submerged, wave propagation is strongly altered by fluid–structure interaction, leading to energy leakage, dispersion changes, and increased attenuation.

A major scientific gap is that no unified physical or computational framework exists for interpreting guided waves in the presence of heavy fluid loading and complex environmental scattering. Rough, corroded surfaces, variable sound-speed profiles, bubble clouds, biological noise, and reflections from the free surface all produce distorted and multi-path wavefields that current NDE algorithms—developed for dry or contact conditions—cannot reliably interpret.

This PhD project addresses this gap by developing a physically informed and experimentally validated methodology for acoustic NDE in underwater environments, with shipwrecks in the Baltic Sea serving as the primary application. The broader motivation is to enable automated, non-contact inspection tools that can support marine archaeology, environmental monitoring, and the maintenance of submerged infrastructure.

Research Questions, Hypothesis and Work Plan

The central scientific hypothesis is that guided wavefields measured in submerged metallic structures contain sufficient information to estimate structural condition and internal fluid presence, provided that wave propagation mechanisms and fluid–structure interaction are adequately modelled and the signal processing framework is physically informed.

The research begins with finite-element modelling of guided ultrasonic waves in corroded plates under water, with and without internal liquid loading. These models are used to identify observable quantities related to thickness loss, scattering strength, modal conversion, and attenuation.

Building upon the modelling results, the project develops signal processing and imaging techniques for wavefield interpretation. These include mode separation, frequency–wavenumber analysis, energy-based mapping, and inversion techniques that aim to reconstruct thickness distributions or classify internal loading conditions. The robustness of these methods is studied under realistic conditions including measurement noise, incomplete scans, and environmental variability.

Experimental work is carried out using submerged steel samples with representative defect geometries. Ultrasonic transducers and acoustic arrays are used to measure wavefields in water under controlled laboratory conditions, followed by tests using robotic platforms in field environments. Numerical predictions and experimental data are continuously compared to refine both the physical models and inference algorithms.

The final phase of the work focuses on shipwreck structures as representative complex targets. The developed framework is tested on real cases where accessible, ensuring that the methods are grounded in practical constraints while remaining general enough for application to other underwater engineering structures.

Applicants should fulfil the following requirements:

Applicants should hold an MSc degree in engineering, applied physics, acoustics, or a related discipline and should demonstrate strong interest in wave physics, acoustic sensing, and quantitative non-destructive evaluation.

Essential qualifications:

  • Experience with numerical modelling and programming (MATLAB, Python, or C++)
  • Interest in wave physics, acoustics, or structural dynamics
  • Good proficiency in written and spoken English
  • Ability to work with experimental and simulated data

Highly desirable skills:

  • Experience with ultrasonics, guided waves, or structural health monitoring
  • Background in inverse problems, tomography, or computational imaging
  • Familiarity with finite-element modelling
  • Prior exposure to NDE, medical ultrasound, geophysics, or acoustics
  • Interest in underwater systems, robotics, or marine technology

Motivation to work in interdisciplinary research involving modelling, experiments, and field measurements is expected.

Application procedure

The information for the PhD admission is available at TalTech´s web-page:https://taltech.ee/en/phd-admission

The following application documents should be sent to madis.ratassepp@taltech.ee

  • CV
  • Motivation letter
  • Degree certificates asrequired by the university
  • A research plan for the topic, including the overall research and data collection strategy
  • Copy of the passport 

Training and Research Environment

The doctoral student will be embedded in the Mechanics of Fluids and Structures research group at TalTech, working in close collaboration with the underwater acoustics and electronics research teams. The research infrastructure includes ultrasonic instrumentation, acoustic sensors, underwater measurement platforms, and high-performance computing facilities.

The project provides opportunities for:

  • participation in international research visits,
  • joint experiments with industrial partners,
  • training in simulation, signal processing, inverse methods, and instrumentation,
  • presentation of results at international conferences.

The candidate will receive supervision in experimental design, numerical modelling, academic writing, and research management. Collaboration with external partners ensures exposure to real-world problems and technology transfer contexts.

(Additional information) 

For further information, please contact Dr Madis Ratassepp madis.ratassepp@taltech.ee and Dr Elizaveta Dubrovinskaya elizaveta.dubrovinskaya@taltech.ee

Curatorial Fellowship: Ship of Dreams

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3822880/The-Preservation-Society-of-Newport-CountyNewport-Mansions/Curatorial-Fellowship-Ship-of-Dreams?source=Indeed_Feed

The Preservation Society of Newport County invites applications for the Curatorial Fellowship, a position designed to support the PSNC’s upcoming 2027 exhibition Ship of Dreams: The RMS Titanic and Newport and other curatorial initiatives across its historic properties. This fellowship offers an emerging museum professional the opportunity to contribute to exhibition development, collections research, and interpretive planning within one of the nation’s most distinguished historic preservation organizations. Preference will be given to candidates who are able to demonstrate successful object-based research utilizing primary and secondary source materials, or who have specific experience contributing to museum or gallery exhibitions. 

Opening summer 2027, Ship of Dreams: The RMS Titanic and Newport will present the remarkable stories of Newporters who sailed aboard the fateful voyage alongside more than 50 artifacts recovered from the shipwreck by RMS Titanic Inc.  

The Titanic’s maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York attracted men and women of many different backgrounds who lived, worked, and played in Newport, Rhode Island. They included a trailblazing woman suffragist, a hardworking Irish waitress, a passionate young bibliophile, two champion lawn tennis players, and the eccentric heir of one of America’s richest families. Despite leading markedly different lives, some of these individuals met face-to-face in Newport and would do so again on the night of the sinking. They represented a cross-section of the diverse society of Gilded Age Newport, which was America’s most vibrant summer resort. 

The exhibition will bring together Newport passengers’ belongings, including fashion, art, and photographs, with firsthand accounts of the sinking and descendant interviews to illuminate their remarkable lives before, during, and after the voyage. Their stories will be augmented by a range of artifacts salvaged from the wreck site by RMS Titanic Inc. that shed light on the ultimate luxury of sailing first class and present a starkly different view of life on and off the vessel for everyday passengers. 

Collections Specialist: Intrepid Museum

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=e25c1fb65bb84448&from=shareddesktop_copy

https://intrepidmuseum.org/careers

The Intrepid Museum seeks a highly skilled, detail oriented and motivated individual to fill the full-time position of Collections Specialist. This person will report to the Senior Archivist, and work closely with the Director of Collections and larger Exhibitions Department to ensure the thoughtful care and preservation of the Intrepid Museum’s collections. The Collections Specialist will support all aspects of the Museum’s collecting activities, with special focus on the artifact collection. Major responsibilities include processing and cataloging new acquisitions, documentary photography of artifacts, scanning photographs and other media, rehousing artifacts, inventorying and maintaining item’s storage location, and assisting with exhibit install and artifact display. The Collections Specialist will also take an active role in other departmental projects and activities as assigned.

Salary Range:$52,000.00 – $55,000.00


Responsibilities and Duties

  • Assist with day-to-day collections tasks including, but not limited to: documenting, cataloging and inventorying artifact collections, physically handling and rehousing objects according to preservation standards, database entry, maintaining proper collections storage environment.
  • Maintain clear, consistent documentation of artifacts in the collection.
  • Participate in photography, scanning and digitization of artifacts and photographs.
  • Create detailed and descriptive condition reports for artifacts and perform general preventative conservation care duties.
  • Enter detailed, appropriate, and accurate data into the Museum’s database, TMS, with particular emphasis on adding accessible information.
  • Review database records so that they can be shared with the public via eMuseum website.
  • Participate in monthly Collections Committee meetings; collaborate with other Museum departments and staff.
  • Participate in regular environmental and IPM monitoring.
  • Assist with reviewing artifact mounts and installing items for display.
  • Assist with creation and documentation of social media posts; comfortable with occasional public speaking.
  • Assist other departments with programs related to the collection, including education and membership.


Skills and Qualifications

  • Knowledge and understanding of ethical collections management principles and practices, including:

o Accessioning new acquisitions

o Updating catalog records

o Conducting a collections inventory

o Photographing/scanning materials

o Rehousing items in museum grade storage

o Safely moving, storing and exhibiting materials

o General conservation guidelines

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with ability to communicate with supervisors, other staff, and Museum visitors professionally and effectively.
  • Ability to complete projects and reports in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to follow through on commitments; self-motivated, forward thinking and comfortable working independently.
  • Shows flexibility and creativity in support of all Intrepid Museum activities.
  • Ability to work occasional overtime/weekend/holiday shifts as needed.


Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in History, Museum Studies, or a related field. Minimum 3 or more year’s collections management and/or museum registration experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office products and collections management software (TMS preferred). Experience operating a DSLR camera and photographing objects is a plus. Experience scanning photographs and archival documents, and processing resulting files is also preferred.

Please include a cover letter with your application.

Coordinator – Academic Diving Program – 998974

https://nsucareers.nova.edu/jobs/coordinator-academic-diving-program-998974-fort-lauderdale-davie-florida-united-states

Responsible for the coordinating academic diving program through maintenance of certifications and scheduling as well as analysis of data to improve the program and student experiences.

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) was founded in 1964, and is a not-for-profit, independent university with a reputation for academic excellence and innovation. Nova Southeastern University offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including tuition waiver, retirement plan, excellent medical and dental plans and much more. NSU cares about the health and welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors and is a tobacco-free university.

We appreciate your support in making NSU the preeminent place to live, work, study and grow. Thank you for your interest in a career with Nova Southeastern University.

CALL For Papers – ICOM ICMAH Annual Conference 2026

CALL For Papers – ICOM ICMAH Annual Conference 2026

Dear Members of ICMAH, Esteemed Museum Professionals, and Colleagues,

Maritime archaeology plays a vital role in preserving and interpreting our underwater cultural heritage. As stewards of this legacy, history and archaeological museums are essential in safeguarding and sharing cultural artifacts recovered from shipwrecks and submerged sites, which include ancient urban centers and trading ports. These institutions serve as important repositories, fostering public engagement and appreciation for the rich stories hidden beneath the ocean’s depths.

Through careful excavation, meticulous documentation, and advanced conservation techniques, maritime archaeology helps bridge the connection between artifacts and their historical context. This practice not only provides insights into historical trade networks and cultural practices but also highlights the importance of various submerged sites and the museums that study them. Such museums act as crucial platforms, showcasing tangible evidence of maritime history while also addressing challenges related to accessibility and public involvement.

The collaboration between maritime archaeology and museums represents a dynamic partnership that deepens our understanding of global history, making the treasures of our underwater heritage available to a wider audience.

In this regard, The ICOM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Archaeology and History (ICMAH) invites submissions of abstracts for the ICOM ICMAH Annual Conference 2026 entitled:

“Exploring the Depths – The Inspirational Journey of Maritime Archaeology” Preserving The Underwater Cultural Heritage Collection Within History And Archaeological Museums

Date: October 28-30, 2026     Venue: Zadar, Croatia

This event will be organized in collaboration with ICOM Croatia, the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology (ICUA), the Museum of Ancient Glass (MAS), the Archaeological Museum in Zadar (AMZD), the Department of Archaeology at the University of Zadar (ZARH), and The Camille Jullian Centre for Historical and Archaeological Research, a laboratory of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS).

For the complete Call for Papers, Important Dates, Grant Applications, and other relevant information, are available HERE.

Abstracts Submission is available until February 20, 2026.

We look forward to receiving your submissions.

Sincerely,

The ICOM ICMAH Board

The Maryland Historical Trust (Trust) is seeking candidates for its 2026 Summer Internship in Archaeology.

Click to access 2026-Summer-Intern-Announcement.pdf

The intern will work under the general supervision of the Chief Archaeologist and time will be divided between office/laboratory and fieldwork in support of the Trust’s terrestrial and maritime archaeology programs. Fieldwork will
take place in a variety of settings and involve use of hand tools, electronic surveying equipment, and small boats, canoes, and/or kayaks. It will include support activities associated with the Annual Tyler Bastian Field Session in Maryland Archaeology, marine geophysical and remote sensing surveys, and archaeological site visits and inspections.

Office/laboratory work is expected to include artifact sorting, washing and cataloging, records processing and filing, GIS data manipulation, and general data organization and entry tasks. Opportunities will also be available related to other aspects of the Trust’s archaeology programs, such as project review and compliance, and outreach activities.

Interns serve a maximum of 400 hours over a period of 10 consecutive weeks to begin on or about May 18, 2026. Fieldwork will require occasional work outside of normal business hours (early mornings, evenings, weekends, &
holidays), extended days, overnight travel, and camping. Office/lab work will be conducted during normal business hours.

Interns will receive a total amount not to exceed $7,200.00 paid in bi-weekly increments based on the number of hours worked at a base rate of $18.00 per hour.

Job Opportunity: Consultants for Underwater Archaeology Wing at ASI – 2025 – 2026

https://www.inarchcenter.com/post/job-opportunity-consultants-for-underwater-archaeology-wing-at-asi-2025-2026

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is inviting applications for the positions of Senior Consultant (02 positions) and Junior Consultant (02 positions) for its Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW). These roles are strictly contractual for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance. The positions are intended to strengthen research, documentation, and field-based work related to India’s underwater and maritime archaeological heritage, such as submerged sites, ancient ports, shipwrecks, and coastal remains.

Key Requirements and Qualifications:

Essential qualificationsMaster’s degree in Underwater Archaeology/ Archaeology/ History with specialization in Ancient Indian History.
Essential experienceSenior Consultant post – three years, and Junior Consultant – two years of experience in underwater archaeology or archaeology.
PreferenceCandidates with a PhD in relevant disciplines and practical field experience
Tech KnowledgeMS Office, GIS tools, editing software, and photography is desirable.

Remuneration:

The engagement will be for an initial period of one year, extendable by another year based on satisfactory performance and project requirements.

The consolidated monthly remuneration is ₹70,000 for Senior Consultants and ₹50,000 for Junior Consultants.

No additional allowances such as DA, HRA, or medical benefits are admissible. Consultants will be entitled to limited leave and 3rd AC train fare for official travel.

How to Apply:

Application in sealed envelope, by post hand, or by email as prescribed, containing all documents in the required format. A brief statement of interest outlining skills relevant to Underwater Archaeology Wing.

Submit CV as per the format given at Annexure. Include supporting documents for educational qualifications, experience, and prior works.

Applications can be sent via post to Sh. Praveen Kumar Tripathi, Dy. Director (Administration), Archaeological Survey of India, Dharohar Bhawan, 24, Tilak Marg, New Delhi-110001, or by email to gensec.asi@gmail.com.

Incomplete or unsigned applications shall be rejected.

ASI reserves the right to cancel or modify the EOI at any stage without assigning any reason. Any misrepresentation of facts may lead to disqualification

Selection Process:

Shortlisted candidates on the basis of documentary submission will be called for an interview (Physical or Video) before a Consultancy Evaluation Committee (CEC) constituted by the Director-General, ASI.

The panel will last for six (06) months for engaging consultant by UAW, ASI. No TA DA shall be paid to the outstation candidates called for the interview.

Terms and Conditions:

Engagement is purely contractual, and all intellectual property/ data generated will remain the property of ASI.

Consultants are expected to commit fully to assigned projects and comply with ASI rules and ASI reserves all the right to cancel this EOI without assigning any specified reason.

The services of the Consultants can be terminated at any time by giving a notice of one month on either side, i.e., by the Consultant or the appointing authority.

Apply before 27th of December

US Naval Academy: Assistant Professor (History – 20th c. U.S.)

https://www.usna.edu/HRO/jobinfo/Tenure-Track-20_C_HIS-26.php

The History Department invites applications for a tenure-track position in 20th c. U.S. History with an anticipated start in summer 2026. Candidates should have a solid commitment to undergraduate teaching and to producing high-quality peer-reviewed research. The successful applicant can expect to teach three sections each semester with small class sizes (typically 18-22 students).

Duties and responsibilities: 

  • Teach one of the undergraduate History courses included in the USNA core curriculum: American Naval History (HH104), The West/Asia/Middle East in the Premodern World (HH215/HH215A/HH215M), or The West in the Modern World (HH216).
  • Teach methodology seminar courses required by the USNA History major.
  • Teach upper division undergraduate elective courses in the USNA History major.
  • Conduct and publish high quality, peer-reviewed scholarly research in the candidate’s area of scholarly specialty.
  • Serve as a mentor to students for capstone and independent research projects.
  • Perform rank-appropriate service activities for the Department, School, and Institution.

This is an onsite, 10-month compensation model, excepted service federal faculty position with a 3-year renewable appointment, a highly competitive salary, and full federal benefits.