Nautical Archaeology Society

The Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) is a charitable membership organisation based in the United Kingdom and incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. Its purpose is to advance research in nautical archaeology, publish the results of that research, and promote public education and training in the methods used to study maritime archaeological remains. The society works across the professional and amateur spheres, supporting archaeologists, commercial and recreational divers, students, museums, heritage organisations, and other people interested in the investigation and protection of underwater and coastal cultural heritage. Nautical archaeology is commonly treated as a branch of maritime archaeology. It includes the study of shipwrecks, ships, cargoes, ports, harbour structures, coastal settlements, maritime technology, and other archaeological sites in seas, rivers, lakes, intertidal areas, and on land where they are connected with seafaring. NAS has historically emphasised cooperation between professional researchers and avocational participants. This orientation reflects the society's origins in a period when recreational diving was producing a growing number of discoveries that required communication with museums, learned societies, universities, and heritage authorities. The organisation developed from the Council for Nautical Archaeology, formed in 1964, and the Nautical Archaeological Trust, which served as a charitable and legal vehicle for research, publication, lectures, conferences, and membership activity. A membership society was formally established in 1981. In 1986 the Trust changed its name and constitution to become the incorporated Nautical Archaeology Society, bringing the membership and charitable functions together while retaining responsibility for the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology. NAS is particularly recognised for its structured training programme. The programme combines online learning, practical recording and surveying skills, fieldwork, courses, and written archaeological work. Its qualification framework has been revised over time to accommodate online study and more flexible progression. The system includes Foundation, Certificate, and Award stages, with participants accumulating credits through NAS activities, partner activities, and self-directed fieldwork. International Training Partners use locally adapted versions of the syllabus, extending the society's educational model beyond the UK. The society's publishing and research activities include the peer-reviewed International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, the NAS Monograph Series, and the NAS Handbook, an introductory resource aligned with the training programme. It also organises an annual conference and administers awards including the Joan du Plat Taylor Award, the Adopt-a-Wreck award, and the Keith Muckelroy Award. Through Adopt-a-Wreck and area-based Wreckmap projects, NAS encourages sustained stewardship, documentation, and research rather than one-off recovery of archaeological material. Its projects have included the Sound of Mull Archaeological Project and work on the Gresham Ship, an Elizabethan wreck assemblage recovered from the Thames Estuary after dredging disturbance made preservation in place impractical. The society's identity is visually associated with an ancient merchant sailing ship depicted on a Cypro-Archaic pottery vessel held by the British Museum. NAS therefore operates less as a consumer-facing commercial brand than as a specialist heritage, education, and knowledge-sharing organisation whose value lies in training, standards, collaboration, and public involvement in maritime archaeology.

The Nautical Archaeology Society emerged from British efforts to coordinate the rapidly developing field of underwater and maritime archaeology. Its predecessor, the Council for Nautical Archaeology, was formed in 1964, initially under the name Committee for Nautical Archaeology. The body was created to connect discoveries made by divers with appropriate learned institutions and to provide a channel of communication among museums, universities, archaeological organisations, maritime groups, and the growing diving community. Its founding network included representatives associated with the Council for British Archaeology, the Science Museum, the Museum of London, the National Maritime Museum, Bristol University, and the Institute of Archaeology at the University of London, as well as organisations such as the Society for Nautical Research, the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology, and the British Sub-Aqua Club. The council helped establish the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology in 1972 and supported the creation of the Nautical Archaeology Trust. It also participated in campaigns and discussions concerning legal protection for underwater archaeological sites, contributing to the context in which the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 was developed. In 1984, the Council for Nautical Archaeology was incorporated into the Council for British Archaeology as a research sub-committee. The Nautical Archaeological Trust had been established as the council's charitable and incorporated arm. Its legal status enabled it to hold assets, enter contracts, organise lectures and conferences, publish newsletters, and provide associate membership and subscriptions. Although the Trust and the council shared aims, the need for a dedicated membership organisation became increasingly apparent. In 1974, W. F. Grimes proposed creating such a society. Following several years of constitutional work, the inaugural meeting of the Nautical Archaeology Society took place in 1981. Its stated purpose was to promote communication and cooperation between amateurs and professionals. The organisation immediately had an international dimension, with approximately one-third of its first-year membership coming from outside the United Kingdom. Joan du Plat Taylor became its first president. For several years, the Trust's charitable activities and the Society's member-exchange function remained institutionally distinct. This arrangement was resolved at a special Trust meeting held at the Science Museum on 3 July 1986. Members approved changing the Trust's name to the Nautical Archaeology Society and modifying its articles of association to reflect a membership organisation. The reconstituted body retained responsibility for the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology and added provisions intended to protect the journal's academic standards. Membership associated with the earlier structures was transferred into the incorporated society. The same year marked the beginning of NAS training. The programme developed into a multi-stage syllabus for professional and avocational archaeologists, divers, students, and other participants. Its objectives are not limited to technical diving: the syllabus seeks to build respect for maritime cultural heritage, knowledge of archaeological methods, competence in recording and surveying, and an understanding of past maritime technology. Development of the UK curriculum received support from English Heritage and its predecessors between 1991 and 2004, while Cadw and Historic Scotland supported training opportunities in Wales and Scotland at different times. In 2015 the education programme was substantially revised to incorporate online learning and provide more flexible routes through the qualifications. The UK framework described in later materials includes a Foundation in Maritime Archaeology, a Certificate in Maritime Archaeology, and an Award in Maritime Archaeology. Participants accumulate credits through courses, events, and fieldwork, with a larger credit allowance for NAS-run activities and a smaller allowance for external or self-directed work. International Training Partners deliver adapted versions of the syllabus in other countries. NAS has also developed a substantial research and publication role. The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology is a peer-reviewed journal published for NAS and covers ships, seas, cargoes, harbours, sailors, and related archaeological subjects. The society's publications also include the NAS Monograph Series and the NAS Handbook, which introduces underwater archaeology and aligns with the training programme. The annual conference provides a forum for research presentations and serves as a setting for NAS awards. Practical projects have included the Sound of Mull Archaeological Project, which ran from 1994 to 2005, and the Gresham Ship project. In 2004 NAS took custody of remains from a wreck discovered in the Thames Estuary's Princes Channel during dredging. Because the remains had been disturbed and represented a navigation hazard, they could not simply be left in place. The timbers were moved to Horsea Island near Portsmouth for stabilisation and study, with the project involving heritage, academic, museum, and port organisations. Through Wreckmap projects and Adopt-a-Wreck, NAS has promoted systematic recording, monitoring, stewardship, and participation in the long-term study of maritime sites. The society's logo derives from the image of a merchant sailing vessel on a Bichrome Ware Cypro-Archaic pottery jug dated approximately 750–600 BCE and associated with the Karpas Peninsula in northern Cyprus. The vessel is held by the British Museum. NAS remains principally a charitable heritage and education organisation rather than a commercial product brand.

• 2015

  Education programme revised

  [1]Nautical Archaeology Societyen.wikipedia.org

  The training system was updated to support online learning and more flexible qualification progression.

• 2008

  Keith Muckelroy Award transferred to NAS

  [1]Nautical Archaeology Societyen.wikipedia.org

  NAS assumed administration of the award, which has been presented biennially at the society's conference since 2009.

• 2004

  Gresham Ship project undertaken

  [1]Nautical Archaeology Societyen.wikipedia.org

  NAS took custody of disturbed wreck remains from the Thames Estuary for stabilisation, study, and training.

• 2003

  Adopt-a-Wreck annual award introduced

  [1]Nautical Archaeology Societyen.wikipedia.org

  NAS began recognising significant contributions to maritime research and stewardship through the Adopt-a-Wreck scheme.

• 1994

  Sound of Mull Archaeological Project begins

  [1]Nautical Archaeology Societyen.wikipedia.org

  The regional research and training project began a programme of maritime-site investigation that continued until 2005.

• 1986

  Trust renamed and constitution revised

  [1]Nautical Archaeology Societyen.wikipedia.org

  The incorporated charitable trust became the Nautical Archaeology Society and assumed the consolidated membership and charitable role.

• 1986

  NAS training begins

  [1]Nautical Archaeology Societyen.wikipedia.org

  The society delivered the first events that developed into its multi-level maritime-archaeology training syllabus.

• 1981

  Nautical Archaeology Society inaugurated

  [1]Nautical Archaeology Societyen.wikipedia.org

  A formal membership society was created to encourage exchange and cooperation between professional and amateur practitioners.

• 1973

  Contribution to the protection-of-wrecks context

  [1]Nautical Archaeology Societyen.wikipedia.org

  The predecessor council played a role in promoting legal protection for nautical archaeological sites during the development of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.

• 1972

  International Journal of Nautical Archaeology founded

  [1]Nautical Archaeology Societyen.wikipedia.org

  The journal was launched under founding editor Joan du Plat Taylor and became a central scholarly publication associated with the organisation.

• 1964

  Council for Nautical Archaeology formed

  [1]Nautical Archaeology Societyen.wikipedia.org

  The predecessor body was established to connect diver discoveries with learned institutions and coordinate the emerging field of nautical archaeology.

A specialist, charitable, and internationally connected authority for accessible maritime-archaeology education, responsible site investigation, research publication, and cooperation between professional and avocational practitioners.

• Professional and vocational education · 1986

  NAS Training Programme

  The NAS Training Programme introduces maritime archaeology through a combination of online study, practical skills days, courses, events, and fieldwork. It is designed for professional archaeologists, students, recreational and commercial divers, and non-divers who need archaeological knowledge. The framework develops skills in site recording, survey, underwater and intertidal work, heritage awareness, and interpretation. Participants progress through credit-based Foundation, Certificate, and Award stages, with the highest stage incorporating a substantial archaeological report.

• Academic publishing · 1972

  International Journal of Nautical Archaeology

  The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology is a peer-reviewed journal published for NAS. It covers archaeological research concerning ships, shipwrecks, cargoes, harbours, sailors, seas, and other aspects of maritime culture. Although scholarly standards are maintained, the journal has also provided a route for amateur researchers to publish work that meets those standards. The journal is issued by Wiley on behalf of the society.

• Educational publication

  NAS Handbook

  The NAS Handbook is an introductory guide to underwater archaeology and supports the concepts taught through the society's training programme. It provides learners and participants with a foundation in archaeological approaches, maritime sites, recording, and responsible investigation.

• Research publishing

  NAS Monograph Series

  The monograph series publishes substantial reports and studies in nautical archaeology. Its first volume reported on the Sound of Mull Archaeological Project, a long-running regional investigation. The series gives projects and researchers a format for presenting detailed archaeological evidence beyond the scope of shorter journal articles.

• Heritage stewardship programme

  Adopt-a-Wreck

  Adopt-a-Wreck encourages individuals and groups to take continuing responsibility for a maritime archaeological site. Adopted places may include shipwrecks, harbour works, coastal buildings, hulks, and other features with nautical connections. Participants monitor change, undertake appropriate recording, and promote site stewardship. The programme was developed with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and includes an annual award for notable contributions.

• 2003Adopt-a-Wreck

  United Kingdom · International

  NAS established a structured stewardship initiative with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to encourage continuing monitoring and research at maritime archaeological sites.

  Outcome. The programme became an ongoing mechanism for community participation and an annual award recognising notable site-based work.

  Source
• 1994Sound of Mull Archaeological Project

  Scotland

  NAS supported a long-running area-based research and training project examining maritime archaeological sites in the Sound of Mull.

  Outcome. The project ran through 2005 and generated the first publication in the NAS Monograph Series.

  Source
• 1973Protection of wreck sites

  United Kingdom

  The Council for Nautical Archaeology supported efforts to improve legal protection for maritime archaeological sites, contributing to the policy environment surrounding the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.

  Outcome. The campaign formed part of the broader development of statutory protection for selected wreck sites in the United Kingdom.

  Source

• 2015

  Revision of the education and qualification systemGeneration change

  Background

  Online learning was becoming more important and the existing qualification arrangements needed greater flexibility.

  Action taken

  NAS revised its education programme and structured qualification progression around online courses, practical skills, events, fieldwork, and accumulated credits.

  Aftermath

  The revised model supported Foundation, Certificate, and Award pathways and was also adapted by International Training Partners.

  Source

• 1986

  Consolidation of the Trust and SocietyStrategy

  Background

  The charitable Nautical Archaeological Trust and the membership society had overlapping purposes but separate institutional arrangements.

  Action taken

  Members voted to rename the incorporated Trust as the Nautical Archaeology Society and revise its constitution to support a unified membership organisation.

  Aftermath

  The reconstituted organisation retained responsibility for the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology and continued the society's charitable, educational, and research functions.

  Source

1. 1Nautical Archaeology Societyen.wikipedia.org
2. 2Nautical Archaeology Society official websitenauticalarchaeologysociety.org