The NAS logo, of two sailors in an archaic trading vessel, depicted above a grey sea.

About the Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS)

Montage of activities with the NAS - diver training, replica ships, conservation and advanced courses such as dendrodating.

The information on this page is divided into two sections, starting with a formal introduction. Following this is a brief introduction to NAS activities - an invitation to you to find out more about underwater archaeology.

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Legal and constitutional background

Professional archaeologists recording the Duart Point site in Scotland.

The NAS is dedicated to advancing education in nautical archaeology at all levels; to improving techniques in excavating, conservation and reporting; and to encouraging the participation of members of the public at all stages.

The Nautical Archaeology Society is a non-government organisation formed to further interest in our underwater cultural heritage. We are a registered charity based in the United Kingdom, but with strong links to sister organisations around the world. (The Charity Commission for England and Wales Reg. No. 264209.)

We aim to preserve our archaeological heritage in the marine environment, by acting as a focus for coastal and marine archaeology. To do this we need to involve everyone - divers and non-divers, scientists, historians and anyone with an interest. Our underwater heritage is not renewable, and is at constant threat from natural and human agencies.

Preserving a record of the past is vital, and it is important that this record is as accurate as possible. To achieve this we aim to improve archaeological techniques and encourage publication and research. We publish a members' newsletter of events (ISSN 0602-6098), and a learned journal, The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology (ISSN 1057-2414), which welcomes substantive contributions to the art from around the world.

Through these means the NAS aims to reveal our underwater heritage, allowing everyone to benefit from this unique and fascinating resource.

If you would like to know more, a brief overview of the society is given below. This offers you links to activities, educational and training opportunities and further information:

Articles of Association of The Nautical Archaeology SocietyLink to:

NAS activities

The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology was founded in 1972. It is published biannually for the Nautical Archaeology Society by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. to further research in all aspects of nautical archaeology and to ensure the publication of results. The Society also produces a newsletter 'Nautical Archaeology' which is free to members.

Contents listings for the IJNA are available online, a full text online service is available to members - you must login to view this.

About the IJNA & contentsLink to:

You can get also involved with the search for evidence of past maritime activities. The simplest way to do this is to record what you've seen on dives or visits to sites of maritime activity. If you are in the UK, your observations can be preserved and acted upon through our 'WreckMap Britain' project, or if you are a non-diver, or someone interested in Foreshore or Landscape Archaeology, follow the link below to learn how you can 'Dive into History' without getting wet!

WreckMap Britain Link to:

Diving Into History Link to:

Learning how to plan a site using offsets underwater.

If you would like to get more out of a site, we can offer training in a range of survey and investigation techniques. With all of our training courses the emphasis is on marrying practical experience with a firm understanding of the cultural and archaeological issues.

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Projects, advanced courses and field schools offer further opportunities to refine your skills and put them to the test in real situations. They also introduce you to other NAS members and tutors, who are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds through a common interest in underwater archaeology. Projects have an important role in building a strong social network that encompasses both professional and amateur underwater archaeologists and others interested in the field.

ProjectsLink to:

Whether you're new to the subject, or have had professional or private interests in the area for many years, the NAS offers you involvement based on the time you have available and the level of your interest. This is your society!

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