Maritime Archaeology Training

Last weekend 25 locals with a common interest in our maritime heritage spent their time in the Museum Theatre at Kingston attending a course on Maritime Archaeology. Everyone successfully passed Part 1 of the course offered by the Australasian Institute of Maritime Archaeology (AIMA) and Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS). Cass Phillipou and Sarah Ward were our main tutors and Andy Viduka also taught some sessions. Cass, Sarah and Andy are all members of AIMA and were here with funding provided to the Museum by the Commonwealth’s Historic Shipwrecks Program (Andy is the Assistant Director of Maritime Heritage in that Department).

 We were incredibly lucky to have these three run our course – not only are they very experienced maritime archaeologists and professionals, but their passion and enthusiasm for the subject made our learning experience a really enjoyable one, and as easy as possible. We covered topics that were totally new to most of us and there was a lot to take in including the Legislations covering shipwreck material, Archaeological Principles, site survey methods and conservation. We even managed in our small groups to survey parts of the New Gaol! The course is designed as an effective way to learn basic underwater archaeological skills.

AIMA is the only non-government organisation involved in maritime archaeology at a national level. It was formed in 1982 to assist in developing the maritime archaeology profession and furthering the aims of programs and projects carried out in Australia and other parts of the world. Volunteers make up a large part of maritime archaeology expeditions around the world and Membership of AIMA and Certification through the courses they offer, can provide the opportunity to volunteer on expeditions around the world.

After passing a short exam the outcome of our efforts was the presentation of Certificates certifying that we had each passed Part 1 of the AIMA/NAS course, and Membership to AIMA. Another outcome was that the group came together again during this week to start a Maritime Archaeology Association on Norfolk Island. This is incredibly exciting as it marks the beginning of a volunteer group of divers and non-divers who will research, locate, document and protect our maritime heritage. There will be further information provided by the group in coming weeks as they begin to confirm their purpose and objectives and formally establish themselves as an Incorporated Association.  This is great news for Norfolk – and for future generations of Norfolk Islanders.

Maritime Archaeology on Norfolk Island

Most of the focus of historic shipwrecks on Norfolk Island has been on the HMS Sirius. As the flagship of the First Fleet the wreck site and artefacts have national significance and so of course have been the focus of much attention. However there have been many other shipwrecks around Norfolk and there are various anchors and other objects that have been sighted by divers across the years. It is now timely to begin to shift our focus to trying to discover the stories of these other shipwrecks and objects and by doing so ensure that they are protected. We are very excited to be able to do this via some wonderful training in maritime archaeology that will be of interest to divers and non-divers alike.

On the weekend of November 6th and 7th the Museum will be running part 1 of the Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology and Nautical Archaeology Society (AIMA/NAS) course which will be run by Cass Phillipou, the senior AIMA/NAS tutor. This exciting course is able to be offered via funding from the Historic Shipwrecks Program. The aim is to start a Norfolk Island Maritime Archaeology Association which will help to plot shipwreck sites and objects, look for items and help protect those that are found.

The course is designed as a general introduction to maritime archaeology and will cover a wide range of issues and skills such as recording techniques and surveying methods. It will focus on the importance of shipwrecks to archaeology and our national heritage in addition to the basics of how to locate, identify and survey shipwrecks in a non-intrusive way. Other topics are definitions, archaeological sciences, material conservation, ship construction and State and Commonwealth legislation.

Normally this 8 hour course is $200.00 per participant, however as we are able to offer it with funding from the Historic Shipwrecks Program – it will be free to Norfolk Island participants. On completion, you’ll gain a 12 month membership to AIMA and an internationally recognised AIMA/NAS certificate.

This course will be of interest to people who want to enhance their diving experience, be involved in underwater projects and be part of a forum of wreck enthusiasts. You
 don’t need to be a diver to be involved – there is plenty for the non-diver who is interested in our underwater archaeology. While we don’t want to knock back anyone, the class size limit will be about 20. If you’d like to hear more about the course or register your name for attendance please call me on 23788.