The Bridge

Welcome to The Bridge

The Bridge; the command centre of any sea-worthy vessel.

Here, you are the captain; navigate your way to your chosen destination, or discover something new.

Choose from the options below to learn more about the knowledge and opportunities that await you in the field of nautical archaeology, and begin your journey to discovery.

UK Maritime Heritage Centres' Map

Most places in the UK are fairly close to some sort of maritime heritage centre. Discover which one is closest to you on this online map! Read more

University Courses in Nautical Archaeology

Want to learn more about which Universities offer nautical archaeology modules and courses? Look no further! Read more

What's Going On

Keeping you updated with nautical events, conferences, field schools, courses and exhibitions from around the world, so you never need miss out! Read more

Jobs, Internships and Funding

If you're looking for jobs, internships and funding opportunities in the field of nautical archaeology, you're in the right place. Read more

Members can obtain recognised NAS qualifications reflecting archaeological knowledge and skills. The NAS Foundation in Maritime Archaeology - the basis for future learning is achieved by completing two E-learning courses - Introduction to Maritime Archaeology and Underwater/Intertidal Archaeology, plus skills days - Recorder and Surveyor, Underwater or Foreshore. Two further qualifications that members can progress through cover a wide range of interests. Find out more here... Read more

Dive Trails

The UK heritage agencies have supported the development of diver trails around the country to facilitate access to the country’s protected wrecks. The NAS has help establish four of the trails as well as three virtual dives that help non-divers experience the pleasure of exploring a historic wreck. Discover more about dive trails here... Read more

International Journal of Nautical Archaeology

The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology is a forum for the exchange of ideas and research relevant to all aspects of nautical and maritime archaeology. Discover more about our journal here... Read more

Join Us

Indulge your passion for nautical archaeology, and help us explore, preserve and record the world’s intertidal and underwater heritage for future generations. Discover more about us here... Read more

Recording forms

The NAS has developed a series of recording forms that may help with projects that you are undertaking. These forms can be printed on waterproof paper and mounted on survey boards for use underwater. Read more

Latest

Intertidal Survey - past and present techniques

Learn from the experts about how an intertidal site would have been surveyed in the past using a plane table and then see how this compares to the more modern technique of total station survey. Participants will get hands on practice of these two pieces of survey equipment and will be working on the wreck of the Helping Hand. Skills learnt at this course will be useful for surveying intertidal sites in the future!

Identification of Bricks for Archaeological Sites

Bricks are an amazingly useful artefact type for dating archaeological sites. Come to the UK’s only Brick Museum and learn the key features that might help you identify a shipwreck or foreshore structure. Find out how brick making has changed from Roman times, through the mediaeval period and the industrial age. You’ll also have the chance to make a brick for yourself and see what the process is like.

Seaseach Observer course for Wrecks

Wrecks are an amazing habitat for wildlife. Come to this course and find out what marine critters you’re likely to encounter on a wreck and how you can contribute to the recording and reporting of our threatened marine life. Participants will receive Seasearch and NAS qualifications from this course.

Introduction to knots

Under expert guidance from the Guild of Knot Tyers come and get a basic understanding of the wide variety of knots. Learn about practical knots and pretty knots. Find out what is the best sort of knot to use in particular situations. And create a fancy knot to take home.

International Journal of Nautical Archaeology

Join Us

Indulge your passion for nautical archaeology, and help us explore, preserve and record the world’s intertidal and underwater heritage for future generations. Discover more about us here...

eLearning

You can begin your archaeological training from the comfort of your own home with our eLearning Programme. There are three courses available and each is made up of a series of lessons which include images, videos and examples to demonstrate the information. Find out more here...

Annual Conference

This year the Nautical Archaeology Society and the Ordnance Society are excited to be co-hosting a two-day conference examining how ship and ordnance remains found on land and under the sea help our understanding of our maritime past. Find out more about this year’s event here.......

International Training Partners

For over 20 years we have be proud to have International Training Partners that teach our courses all around the world. They adapt our core syllabus to their own particular needs and deliver courses using their own preferred sites and facilities. Find out more here...