Our heritage is continuously under threat of damage or destruction by environmental and human action. Read more
By starting with the basics we believe that everyone can help record our nautical past Read more
We aim to preserve an accurate record of the past by improving archaeological techniques and encouraging publication and research. Read more
Promoting the preservation, protection and research of our nautical heritage.
Our award-winning training programme allows people around the world of all interests and abilities to learn about and appreciate our maritime heritage. It is accredited and internationally recognised, and has been running for over 30 years. In 2011, we won the inaugural Archaeology Training Forum Award.
Without you—supporters, members and sponsors — we would not be able to do our work, protecting our global nautical heritage. Join us if you too have a passion for our maritime past and want to get involved, on the foreshore or under water. You will learn that discovery really is just the beginning.....
The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology is the world’s leading academic journal in the field of maritime, nautical and underwater archaeology. Since its foundation in 1972, it has been a forum for the exchange of cutting-edge ideas and research. It is published for the Society by Wiley. Discover more about our journal here...
The NAS has helped establish diver trails around the UK to facilitate access to the country’s protected wrecks. Some include virtual dives that help non-divers experience the pleasure of exploring a historic wreck. Discover more here.....
Indulge your passion for nautical archaeology. Your membership will also help us explore, preserve and record the world’s intertidal and underwater heritage for future generations. There are other benefits too.........
With presentations from both professional and amateur archaeologists, the NAS Annual Conference is an opportunity for the NAS community to exchange news and ideas—about the latest research, member activities, and access to our shared heritage. It’s a chance to network with friends and colleagues from the UK and elsewhere. Find out more about this year’s event here.......
An overview of the Newport Medieval Ship Project with insights on how this can be replicated for other archaeological projects. Read more
Guided tour of the Newport Ship Conservation Facility Read more
Guided tour of the Transporter Bridge at Newport Read more
Long-time NAS member Nick Reed has a new-found knowledge of post-medieval rope and cordage after attending a recent NAS course on the subject: He’s now part of the volunteer team that will help the Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust (MAST) and Bournemouth University with their post-excavation documentation of the miles of rope recently raised from HMS Invincible. Here, Nick shows us the ropes. Read more
You don’t have to dive deep to encounter remarkable archaeology under water. Here NAS member Peter Seinen reports on the rescue of a 7m-long punt in the muddy depressions left by sand dredgers in the floodplain of the River Meuse. Read more
This summer saw NAS tutor Dr Jorge M. Herrera run a two-week NAS course at the National University (UNAM) in Mexico City. Among the participants was Rodrigo Vega, an archaeology student at the city’s Escuela Nacional de Antropologia e Historia (ENAH). Read more here Read more