Tag: travel

Egypt launches photography competition to promote underwater cultural heritage

https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/211159/Egypt-launches-photography-competition-to-promote-underwater-cultural-heritage?lang=en-us

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has launched a photography competition to raise public awareness of Egypt’s rich underwater cultural heritage.

The competition, which begins Friday, 1 August, invites participants to capture artistic images of artefacts that emerged from the Mediterranean Sea and are currently on display at the Graeco-Roman Museum and the Alexandria National Museum in Alexandria.

It comes in light of Egypt’s efforts to highlight its submerged archaeological treasures aligning with its commitment to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.

“The competition is part of broader efforts to engage the public with Egypt’s diverse heritage and to promote appreciation for historical finds recovered from beneath the Mediterranean,” said Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy. 

He added that this initiative reflects the ministry’s ongoing dedication to enhancing awareness and appreciation of underwater cultural heritage and to showcasing Egypt’s unique archaeological assets to the world.

According to Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), the competition is one of several cultural events planned by the ministry to shed light on submerged heritage sites and artefacts.

Full competition details and updates will be published on the ministry’s official social media platforms.

He continued that the photographers in Egypt and abroad are eligible to participate, with a photography window open from August 1 to 10 August, during the official operating hours of both museums in Alexandria. Submissions must be sent to training@mota.gov.eg by Thursday, 14 August, and must include the photograph along with a short biography of the participant.

Photos will be evaluated by a specialized jury comprising university professors and experts in photography and archaeology. The panel will operate under the supervision of the competition’s technical secretariat.

Ahmed Rahima, Assistant Minister for Human Resources Development and Head of the Central Training Unit, explained that evaluation criteria will focus on technical quality, creativity, and the ability to highlight the aesthetic and historical value of the featured artefacts. The names of the winners will be announced on 18 August, with an official award ceremony scheduled for 21 August.

The ministry has extended an open invitation to both Egyptian and international photography enthusiasts to take part in this unique cultural initiative, which blends art, history, and heritage preservation.

2026 ACUA/RECON Offshore Student Travel Award Announcement

Click to access RECON-award-announcement_2026.pdf

The Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology (ACUA) and RECON Offshore
are sponsoring one travel award to a student who is presenting a paper or poster on an underwater or maritime archaeology topic at the 2026 annual meeting in Detroit, Michigan. The award provides $1,000 to defray travel costs. The goals of this travel award are to increase and to encourage student involvement at the meetings. Conference abstracts must be submitted directly to the Conference Organizers as outlined in the Call for Papers.

Please refer to https://sha.org/conferences/ for complete details on abstract submission and deadlines.

To be eligible for consideration, students applying for this award must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program (includes full-time, part-time, or thesis/dissertation hours only), and in good academic standing.

To apply for this award, you must submit the following:

  1. Curriculum vitae
  2. A copy of your conference abstract, along with confirmation of submission
  3. Cover letter – In your letter, please explain why this award is important to your attendance and state how your participation in the SHA conference will advance your career and research.
    All award application materials must be sent to the ACUA at info@acuaonline.org by September 20, 2025.
    Following the conference, recipients are asked to submit a one-page report to ACUA/RECON on their conference experience and a blog post on creating a more inclusive underwater archaeology, which may be posted to the ACUA Blog.
    *Please note: SHA members can apply or be nominated for the SHA Harriet Tubman and the Ed and Judy Jelks Student Travel Awards and the ACUA George Fischer Student Travel Award and the ACUA and RECON Offshore Student Travel Award and the Martin Klein Award for Development and Application of Technology in Support of Underwater Archaeology but may only receive one award in the same year.

Palau Study Abroad – Winter 2026

Palau Study Abroad – Winter 2026

Greetings!

I am excited to announce that my research group and I will be taking 14 lucky students with us to the tropical Republic of Palau next Winter, January 2026. As part of UD Study Abroad, we will travel to exotic Palau to search for U.S. aircraft lost in World War II that are associated with service members missing-in-action.  I have been traveling to Palau since 2010, and it is an amazing place–this experience will be truly life changing for any student. I have attached a flyer with additional information.

In this course, students are intimately involved in every aspect of our rewarding work. Alongside an interdisciplinary team (marine biologists, historian, archaeologist, engineer, oceanographer and computer scientist), students will:

•             Map the seafloor with cutting-edge ocean technology;

•             Explore the historical records of this part of the world;

•             Participate in documentation of an archaeological site;

•             Map coral reef communities;

•             Work with large environmental databases;

•             Visit historical and cultural sites;

•             Experience the language, food, culture and people of the Pacific Islands;

•             Snorkel/Dive in this amazing coral reef environment (those that are certified science divers through AAUS may dive with the research team; those recreationally certified (e.g. PADI, NAUI, etc.) will have opportunities to dive though a local dive shop.) 

COURSE DETAILS

•             The 6-credit course, which counts for Discovery Learning Experience,  is ENSC 464 – Environmental Internship, and it focuses on participation and experiential learning–not on testing and evaluation.

•             All the course details and costs can be found here.

https://abroad.udel.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=10282

•             Study Abroad also has financial assistance available.

•             Please note that the deadline to apply is April 20, and space is limited to 12-14 lucky students.

INFORMATION SESSIONS

I will be holding information sessions via Zoom on the following dates/times

Wednesday, April 2 at 7pm

https://udel.zoom.us/j/96644819473

Tuesday, April 8 at 7pm

https://udel.zoom.us/j/94722146471

Anyone who can’t make a session and wishes to set up an individual time to chat, please let me know (mmoline@udel.edu).

I look forward to another great group of students this coming winter.

Regards,
Mark A. Moline
Harrington Professor of Marine StudiesSchool of Marine Science and Policy
College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment
University of Delaware
mmoline@udel.edu

American Cruise Lines, the world’s leading small ship cruise line, is adding to its team of onboard Historians and Destination Speakers and is looking for passionate individuals to enhance the onboard experience.

https://www.aclcareers.com/apply?gnk=job&gni=8a7885ac922b0cc3019248327eaa5419

Historian/Destination Speaker

American Cruise Lines, the world’s leading small ship cruise line, is adding to its team of onboard Historians and Destination Speakers and is looking for passionate individuals to enhance the onboard experience. Discover the best of America and the country’s most beautiful waterways while visiting the unique cities and towns along the way. American Cruise Lines’ guests are well-traveled individuals looking for a destination-focused adventure, where they will have the opportunity to explore the history, culture and natural scenery of each unique port visited. Our Historian and Destination Speakers play an integral role in the guest experience through educational presentations, underway commentary, port overviews, casual talks and group discussions.

Successful candidates must be outgoing, friendly, sociable, service-minded and, of course, be extraordinarily knowledgeable of the history, geography, ecology, ports of call, and other points of interest within the cruise itinerary.  Excellent and polished presentation skills are required.

Region-specific Minimum Requirements Include:

West Coast Itineraries (with extensive knowledge of either)

  • Puget Sound & Alaska – Topics should include Marine Wildlife, Glaciers & Ice Fields, Native American & Alaskan Native Cultures, Geology, Forests & Ecosystems, Exploration & Settlement, and The Fishing & Seafood Industry.
  • The Columbia & Snake Rivers – Topics should include Lewis & Clark, Native American Culture, Geology, Wildlife & Ecology, Wine & Agriculture, and Hydropower & Dams, Mt. St. Helens, the Oregon Trail and River Navigation.

Mississippi River (& Tributaries) Itineraries

  • Extensive knowledge of the Upper or Lower Mississippi, Ohio, or Tennessee & Cumberland Rivers.
  • Topics should include The Civil War & Historic Battles, The Louisiana Purchase, Agriculture & Industry, River Navigation, Music & Cultural Contributions, Culinary Traditions, Native American Cultures, Mark Twain & Literature, Floods & River Management, and Architecture & Historic Homes.

East Coast Itineraries (with extensive knowledge of either)

  • New England – Topics should include Colonial History, Maritime Heritage, The Revolutionary War, Lighthouses & Navigation, Literary & Artistic Contributions, Lobstering & Fishing Industry, Architectural Styles, Whaling, and Culinary Traditions.
  • Chesapeake Bay – Topics should include Jamestown, Williamsburg & Early American History, Native American Cultures, Maritime Heritage, The Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, The Civil War and Crabbing & Oystering.
  • The Historic South – Topics should include Colonial & Antebellum History, The Civil War, The Revolutionary War, Gullah Culture & Heritage, Architectural Styles & Historic Homes, Southern Literature, the Civil Rights Movement, Maritime History, Southern Culinary Traditions and Southern Gardens & Horticulture.
  • Florida – Topics should include the Spanish Exploration, Native American History, The Everglades & Ecosystems, Pirates & Maritime History, Marine Wildlife, Hemingway & Literature, Architectural Styles, and Hurricanes & Weather Patterns.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide daily formal presentations (45-60 mins each).
  • All presentations should be supported by PowerPoint visuals.
  • Provide narration/commentary while the ship is underway from port to port during daylight hours, broadcast over the ship’s PA system to public lounges, outer decks and into guest staterooms.
  • Present daily 15-20 min Port Previews and Q&A for all ports of call included on the cruise.  At a minimum, information should include:
    • Founding/naming of the city/town.
    • Anything related to major American battles nearby, if any.
    • Fun facts of the city/town including docking information and what to do when walking around and exploring.
    • Connections to local culture or Indigenous people, when applicable.
    • Any materials/handouts/book recommendations of the area.
  • Participate in daily hosting of Shore Excursions providing coach commentary when needed.
  • Dine with guests each evening.
  • Be available to guests throughout the day and evening for one-on-one chats and socialization.
  • Covered Expenses – American Cruise Lines provides travel to and from your assigned vessel, along with room and board.

*Job sites across the nation.

Historian & Destination Speaker – East Coast

https://www.aclcareers.com/shipboard#entertainment

Historian/Destination Speaker

American Cruise Lines, the world’s leading small ship cruise line, is adding to its team of onboard Historians and Destination Speakers and is looking for passionate individuals to enhance the onboard experience. Discover the best of America and the country’s most beautiful waterways while visiting the unique cities and towns along the way. American Cruise Lines’ guests are well-traveled individuals looking for a destination-focused adventure, where they will have the opportunity to explore the history, culture and natural scenery of each unique port visited. Our Historian and Destination Speakers play an integral role in the guest experience through educational presentations, underway commentary, port overviews, casual talks and group discussions. Successful candidates must be outgoing, friendly, sociable, service-minded and, of course, be extraordinarily knowledgeable of the history, geography, ecology, ports of call, and other points of interest within the cruise itinerary. Excellent and polished presentation skills are required.

Region-specific Minimum Requirements Include: East Coast Itineraries (with extensive knowledge of either)

  • New England – Topics should include Colonial History, Maritime Heritage, The Revolutionary War, Lighthouses & Navigation, Literary & Artistic Contributions, Lobstering & Fishing Industry, Architectural Styles, Whaling, and Culinary Traditions.
  • Chesapeake Bay – Topics should include Jamestown, Williamsburg & Early American History, Native American Cultures, Maritime Heritage, The Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, The Civil War and Crabbing & Oystering.
  • The Historic South – Topics should include Colonial & Antebellum History, The Civil War, The Revolutionary War, Gullah Culture & Heritage, Architectural Styles & Historic Homes, Southern Literature, the Civil Rights Movement, Maritime History, Southern Culinary Traditions and Southern Gardens & Horticulture.
  • Florida – Topics should include the Spanish Exploration, Native American History, The Everglades & Ecosystems, Pirates & Maritime History, Marine Wildlife, Hemingway & Literature, Architectural Styles, and Hurricanes & Weather Patterns.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide daily formal presentations (45-60 mins each).
  • All presentations should be supported by PowerPoint visuals.
  • Provide narration/commentary while the ship is underway from port to port during daylight hours, broadcast over the ship’s PA system to public lounges, outer decks and into guest staterooms.
  • Present daily 15-20 min Port Previews and Q&A for all ports of call included on the cruise. At a minimum, information should include:
  • Founding/naming of the city/town.
  • Anything related to major American battles nearby, if any.
  • Fun facts of the city/town including docking information and what to do when walking around and exploring.
  • Connections to local culture or Indigenous people, when applicable.
  • Any materials/handouts/book recommendations of the area.
  • Participate in daily hosting of Shore Excursions providing coach commentary when needed.
  • Dine with guests each evening.
  • Be available to guests throughout the day and evening for one-on-one chats and socialization.
  • Covered Expenses – American Cruise Lines provides travel to and from your assigned vessel, along with room and board.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $175.00 per day

Benefits:

  • Travel reimbursement

Schedule:

  • 12 hour shift
  • Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

  • Are you willing to live and work onboard a cruise ship?
  • Do you understand this positions is contract based and not a full time position?

Experience:

  • Presentation creation: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: On the road

Marine Archaeology for Young Explorers

https://www.ourgeneticlegacy.org/

Dive Into History With OGL! 🌊

We’re launching an exciting marine archaeology program for young explorers aged 14 to 24! 🌟

As part of our ongoing growth, we’re expanding our training programs to include marine archaeology with a focus on:

📍Mapping and preserving submerged cultural heritage sites.

📍 Documenting waterways that played significant roles in the African Diaspora and Indigenous histories.

📍 Engaging local communities in these preservation efforts.

🌍 Our Upcoming Mapping Missions Include Destinations Like:

🇧🇷 Brazil – Exploring Afro-Brazilian heritage.

🇲🇿 Mozambique – Delving into coastal historical connections.

🇸🇳 Senegal – Focusing on Gorée Island and other significant maritime heritage sites.

🇺🇸 Africatown, Alabama – Researching the Clotilda’s legacy and the Underground Railroad from AL to Canada.

🇯🇲 Jamaica, 🇺🇸 Louisiana, and Virginia – Researching waterways associated with Maroon communities.

🌊 California – Investigating Indigenous peoples’ waterways.

🔗 Who Can Join?

Youth aged 14 to 24 with a passion for history, technology, or adventure. No prior experience necessary – we’ll provide everything you need!

💻 Join Our Zoom Info Sessions to learn how YOU can:

✅ Uncover and preserve underwater cultural heritage.

✅ Train to use cutting-edge underwater ROVs (remotely operated vehicles).

✅ Start your journey from learning to swim to becoming a certified scuba diver – no experience required!

🔗 Reserve Your Spot Today! 👉https://bit.ly/DRONe_Info_Zoom

🌟 Don’t miss this chance to make waves and uncover hidden treasures beneath the sea. Dive into history with us! 🌊

#OurGeneticLegacy#MarineArchaeology#UnderwaterExploration#DiveIntoHistory#YouthOpportunities#AfricanDiaspora#IndigenousHistory#ROVTraining#LearnToScubaDive#HistoricPreservation

CFP: North American Society for Oceanic History Conference

https://globalmaritimehistory.com/cfp-north-american-society-for-oceanic-history-conference/

Continental Connections: Inland Waters and the Shaping of Maritime North America.

The North American Society for Oceanic History invites you to  the Grand Hotel in Natchez, Mississippi for their 2025 conference from May 15-17. 

For thousands of years, a vast complex of inland waters shaped the lives and cultures of indigenous North Americans. These same waters allowed European states to establish and maintain outposts of empire thousands of miles from the Atlantic Ocean. During the early decades of the nineteenth century, inland waters made it possible for millions of Euro-Americans to move west and establish the cities and farms that became the foundations of North America’s modern agricultural and industrial economies.   

This year NASOH is recognizing the complicated historical legacy of North America’s inland waters by meeting at Natchez, Mississippi. Located on the Mississippi River at the western terminus of the Natchez Trace, an overland trail connecting the Mississippi, Cumberland, and Tennessee rivers, Natchez was a natural point of exchange and location of important Indigenous ceremonial mounts. The French, recognizing the area’s importance-built Fort Rosalie in 1716. The present city is named after the Natchez Indians, and its subsequent culture and history are the products of Indigenous, French, English, Spanish, African, and American influences. A natural stopping place and base for keelboats and flatboats, and later steamboats, Natchez became the first capital of the Mississippi Territory and the second-largest slave trading market in the United States. Celebrated for its surviving antebellum architecture and southern heritage, Natchez is also a testament to the enduring and pervasive influences of maritime connections and inland waters in North America.

Session and individual paper proposals are encouraged.  Sessions should have no more than 4 papers. 

Proposals should include: A) title; B) 150-200 word abstract; C) a 150 word (maximum) biographical statement; D) contact information, including phone number, address, affiliation, and email. This information should be submitted as a single Word document (not Pdf), single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font. 

Please note that conference registration is required for papers. 

PowerPoint presentations are encouraged, and projectors will be provided. Please note that requests for specific audio-visual equipment, special outlets, or accommodation for disabilities should be included in the proposal. 

The deadline for proposal submission is February, 15, 2025.  Please submit proposal packets electronically to NASOHconference25@gmail.com

For general questions, please contact Dr. Amy Mitchell-Cook, amitchellcook@uwf.edu

Additional information regarding accommodations and registration will be available on NASOH’s website.

Student Travel Grants

Students may apply for a Chad Smith Travel Grant to assist in travel to present a paper at the conference. Additionally, each year NASOH bestows the Clark G. Reynolds Student Paper Award to the author of the best graduate student paper delivered at the conference.  Please see the awards section of the NASOH website for details. Students wishing to be considered for either award must indicate so as part of their paper proposal.  For more information about these grants, please go to the NASOH webpage for the grants.

Help bring the Newport Medieval Ship back to life to through an animation based on archaeological research into its origins and construction

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/newport-medieval-ship-visitor-centre-animation

What is the Newport Medieval Ship

The Newport Medieval Ship is a fifteenth century merchant vessel unearthed in the heart of Newport, South Wales in 2002.

The ship was a formidable three-masted craft measuring over 30 metres in length and capable of carrying around 200 tons of cargo. 

It was brought to Newport for repairs or refit in 1468 or 1469. It is thought that, whilst in Newport, the cradle supporting the ship collapsed. The hull was flooded and the majority of the ship was then taken apart, leaving only the lower hull that we have today.  

These remains have been carefully cleaned, recorded and conserved: conservation of the timbers concluded earlier this year. The project is now focused on planning the reassembly and display of the hull and artefacts.

Visitors can learn more about the history of the ship at the Newport Ship visitor centre.

The Friends of Newport Ship support the work of Newport City Council in the continuing conservation of the timbers and all the other artefacts that are part of this amazing treasure – ‘the Newport Medieval Ship’.

2024 Crowdfunder

In 2023, researchers from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Swansea University announced a breakthrough in the dating of the Newport Medieval Ship. Through the use of oxygen isotope dendrochronology (the study of tree-ring data), they have determined that selected structural timbers of the hull were made from oak trees that were felled in the winter of 1457-58.  

The research, published in the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, suggests that the vessel was constructed soon after this and had a working life of about ten years before coming to Newport for repairs.

Previous research has shown that the ship timbers originated from forests in the Basque Country in northern Spain and that the ship was likely built along the Basque coast.

Analysis of the artefacts, cargo remnants and plant remains from the ship have revealed trading links with Portugal.

This crowdfunder will create a new animation which will be displayed in the visitor centre and used as part of the education and engagement activities by the Friends of Newport Ship and Newport Museums and Heritage Service. It will compliment a animation created about the final journey which was created by Dextra Visual in 2022.

The animation will be based on the archaeological research about the origins of the Newport Ship including the 2023 research about ships’ timbers and construction. We are raising funds so the animation is completed in time for the 2024 Friends of Newport Ship AGM.

NOAA Dive Training Specialist

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/786832200?fbclid=IwAR3pmxa74emTXBlrQxHYrX12t2yvYNku8uG0QYs2wByOrlIJY5RC-GCexI0

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/786832000?fbclid=IwAR3pFrhEDja2eax7al6RkdYFb48CDPU820dqoIscJ4dLio79k0h2JZx0DHY

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) with one vacancy in Silver Spring, MD or Seattle, WA.

This position is also announced under vacancy number OMAO-24-12385692-ST, which is open to Status Candidates. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.

As a Training Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

  • Coordinate, promote, certify personnel, and execute effective training and provide oversight for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA) Diving Center (NDC) in order to promote safe diving practices, minimizing the likelihood of diving accidents; issue certifications through a nationally recognized SCUBA training agency.
  • Support several areas of the NDC program including equipment and facilities maintenance and operations, diving and hyperbaric chamber operational support, supervision and training of divers, and diving unit inspections.
  • Develop, schedule, and provide instruction in NOAA diving and dive-related training, including but not limited to, NOAA diver, Divemaster, and Diving Medical Technician. Serve as dive instructor/trainer, dive supervisor, standby diver, and tender as required to support NDC course offerings.

Call for Applications: Basic Underwater Archaeology Course 2024 (Deadline: 30th April 2024)

https://www.icua.hr/clanak/call-for-applications-basic-underwater-archaeology-course-2024-deadline-30th-april-2024/591?fbclid=IwAR0XbMfDR1dGzwnFSGm8k1wmfK2f-_ZDI2enZ9_GDnFMoi3ZNHuRRSclhqo

1. Introduction

The International Centre for Underwater Archaeology In Zadar (ICUA Zadar), category II centre under the auspices of UNESCO, is organizing a 2-week Basic underwater archaeology course that will take place in Zadar region, Croatia from June 3rd to 14th 2024.

The course will consist of theoretical and practical (hands on) instructions in the field of underwater archaeology i.e., techniques of underwater archaeological excavation and documentation of underwater sites and finds. The course is aimed at archaeologists who don’t have too much diving experience and underwater archaeology practical experience. It is designed to provide to the participants basic skills and training in underwater archaeology knowledge in project planning.

The course is organized with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia. Practical organization is coordinated by ICUA Zadar and other guest lecturers and associates. Theoretical lesson will be held in morning or evening hours, while practical instruction and excavation will take place around noon in the vicinity of Zadar. After successfully completing the exercises, the practical part related to the underwater archaeological site research will take place in Rovanjska at the end of Velebit channel between Seline and Maslenica. During survey of Zadar County 2020., ICUA Zadar found the remains of two piers, one of which, based on the typological analysis of the objects found, dates back to Roman times.

2. Participants

The maximum number of trainees will be limited to 4 participants.

Expected profile of participants: students of archaeology who have some diving experience as well as experts in different disciplines (conservators, marine biologists, etc) who are interested in developing multidisciplinary skills and participating in underwater archaeology research and wish to learn the basics and gain experience in the underwater archaeological excavation.

Language skills: Participants must be proficient in English, as it will be the official language of the course.

3. Programme activities

Programmed activities will include:

● Morning hours at the beginning of the week are reserved for getting to know the ICUA Zadar premises and employees followed by a lecture on underwater cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia and the methodology of underwater archaeology. Since the course is aimed at participants with less diving experience or those who wish to advance in diving skills, at the beginning of the week, the focus will be on diving and performing simple tasks under the sea, such as measuring and recording. The second part of week one will aim at introducing participants to different methods of documenting the site, including various measuring techniques. The theoretical part of the course will be conducted at ICUA Zadar premises, and all the participants will visit underwater archaeological sites in the Zadar area to demonstrate buoyancy and orientation skills, which will be documented using underwater cameras prepared by the course participants themselves.

● Week two: As in previous week, the theoretical part is reserved for morning hours and the briefing. Lectures will be held at ICUA premises. Practical part of the course will be at the archaeological site Rovanjska where Roman era pier was found. Lectures will be conducted according to the ICUA programme for basic underwater archaeology course. All participants will take part in archaeological excavations of the Roman site for on-site training, get basic insight of making documentation and deal with archaeological material for purpose of gaining practical experience in many other aspects regarding field work in underwater archaeology.

Participants completing this course will receive the ICUA official certificate of successful course completion.

Underwater archaeology theoretical lectures are conducted in the morning hours. ICUA Zadar reserves the right to change the schedule in case of unforeseen circumstances:

Doris Kurtov: ICUA Zadar – Mission, Organisation, and Recent activities

Maja Kaleb: Methodology of Underwater Archaeology

Mladen Pešić: Introduction to 2D underwater documentation

Antonija Jozić: Conservation and restoration of underwater finds

Roko Surić: Zadar area Survey – methods and results

Luka Bekić: Organizing of archaeological excavation and publishing of the results

Underwater archaeology course practical exercises which every participant has to learn are:

– Orientation exercises: 180°, 120°, 90°

– Searching exercises

– Spot marking

– Underwater photo documentation of a trench and a site

– Methods of underwater 2D and documentation

– Use of water pump and hoses

– Underwater use of water dredge in a trench excavation

– Packing, labeling and transport of the finds

After the course, participants are expected to be diving proficient and to have basic practical insight in underwater archaeological techniques.

4. Participation costs

There is no fee for the selected participants. During their stay in Zadar, ICUA will provide:

– Accommodation in ICUA’s dormitory

– Weekly card for food costs up to 40 EUR per each participant

– Local transfers to the training sites

– Rented diving equipment (if they do not have their own)

– The NAS Guide to Principles and Practice and new issue of Submerged Heritage

– Insurance against injury

– ICUA certificate of attendance and successful completion of the course

Selected applicants will not receive:

– Reimbursement or contributions for their travel to/from Zadar

– Any daily allowance or other forms of additional financial support during the course

5. Requirements

– University education (minimum first-level degree) on archaeology or related fields

– Minimum Open Water Diver (OWD), CMAS* or an equivalent diving certificate

– Medical certificate ensuring fitness for diving

– At least 18 years of age

*Current professional affiliation to public institutions responsible for cultural heritage safeguarding will be considered as a plus

6. Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed and selected based on the professional and educational profiles as presented in the application documents.

Priority will be given to applicants coming from public institutions (either at local or at central level) competent for the safeguarding and management of cultural heritage, and especially underwater cultural heritage whereas possible.

Applications with similar professional profiles will be enlisted based on the educational level.

Possible letters of support from affiliated institutions will also be considered as an added value.

7. Application

Applicants should send to ICUA the following documents, no later than 30th April 2024:

– Curriculum Vitae (on Europass CV template)

– Scan of the diving card

– Scan of valid diving medical certificate ensuring fitness for diving

Participants will have to present diving insurance upon getting official information for acceptance to the course.

Applications and accompanying documentation (short CV, copy of diving certificate, copy of valid medical certificate ensuring fitness for diving) should be sent by e-mail to the attention of Ms. Maja Kaleb (mkaleb@icua.hr). Deadline for submission of the documents is 30th April 2024. All applicants will be informed of acceptance by 3rd May 2024.

Call for applications: Introductory Course on the Conservation and Restoration of Archaeological Finds from Underwater Environments

https://www.icua.hr/en/event/call-for-applications-introductory-course-on-the-conservation-and-restoration-of-archaeological-finds-from-underwater-environments/16?fbclid=IwAR3MW1Ni_-0FQ3NEYsV6yugiTKwUq2bHF2_nijBfpdFYMpWMz5Xruo4DZ5Q

The Introductory Course on the Conservation and Restoration of Archaeological Finds from Underwater Environments is being organized by the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar (ICUA Zadar), and it will be held in Zadar, Croatia, 11-22 March 2024.

This course is designed to provide practical and theoretical training to candidates who wish to work independently in the restoration and conservation of underwater archaeological finds on an international level.

The course will consist of practical work under the supervision of a mentor at the workshops of the ICUA Zadar. At the three main workshops that specialize in metal, ceramic, glass, and organic finds, candidates will have the chance to work on a variety of materials. ICUA Zadar staff will provide training in accordance with the course programme manual and the standards that were applicable to the ICUA/UNESCO advanced course held in 2011.

We are planning a two-week Introductory Course that will involve work in all three workshops. Upon completion of the course, candidates will be required to take an exam that covers both theoretical and practical segments. If they pass the exam, they will receive a certificate from the Centre confirming their successful completion of the specialised course for conservators/restorers of underwater archaeological finds.

Participation costs:

Introductory Course on the Conservation and Restoration of Archaeological Finds from Underwater Environments

Duration: 10 working days, price: EUR 500,00

The price covers the cost of staying at the ICUA dormitory, as well as the restoration textbook, work smock, and shirt.

Applicants that do not require accommodation in our dormitory can attend the course at a discounted price.

Application process

Candidates applying are kindly requested to submit a request and their curriculum vitae (CV). Please direct applications and any questions you may have by e-mail to Martina Ćurković Madiraca at mcmadiraca@icua.hr. Deadline for application is 16th February 2024. Number of students is limited. Applications will be assessed and selected based on the professional and educational profiles as presented in the application documents. Priority will be given to experienced conservators-restorers, young professionals and students involved in conservation, safeguarding and management of cultural heritage. Letters of support from an institution that is competent in safeguarding cultural heritage will be considered an added value.

Course Programme

Introductory Course on the Conservation and Restoration of Archaeological Finds

The two-week course on the conservation and restoration of underwater archaeological finds provides an introduction to conservation-restoration. During the course participants will be acquainted with work on all materials and spend a few days in each of the workshops. The training consists of a theoretical and practical segment, with the possibility of placing greater focus on a given segment, depending on the wishes, capabilities and knowledge of the applicant. In the practical segment applicants will have the opportunity to try their hand on the phases of conservation-restoration work that can be executed in the available time. Within these time constraints conducting all phases of conservation-restoration work on a single object is impossible and participants will therefore have the opportunity to work on phases of conservation-restoration work on various smaller objects. The goal of this brief course is to either acquaint participants with conservation and restoration as a method of protecting archaeological finds or to acquaint more experienced conservators-restorers with the specifics pertaining to the treatment of archaeological finds originating from wet environments.