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Accredited Non-Governmental Organizations

The Meeting of States Parties and the Scientific and Technical Advisory Body collaborate with accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having activities related to the scope of the Convention.

The cooperation is crucial as NGOs are working directly in the field and with national authorities worldwide. They have invaluable insights into current issues and practices in underwater archaeology, and can directly facilitate the development of underwater archaeology on a national, regional and international level. NGOs are also instrumental in actively disseminating the ethical principles and guidelines of the 2001 Convention.  

The Meeting of States Parties has accredited the following NGOs:

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GRAN - Groupe de Recherche en Archéologie Navale

Character :  NPO – Nonprofit organization

Established :  1982

Scope :   International experience in :

  • Project management : Management of program of survey, expertise, excavation, conservation, improvement of cultural or touristic resources.
  • Fast response time for operations : Accurate budget worldwide projects for discovered sites/ under civil engineering works
  • Training : On survey methods, underwater works and techniques, archaeological excavations, conservation and heritage management.
  • Scientific communication and computer technology : Web connections relating in real time the work activities, ongoing diary, forum, database, interactive software.

Seat  : Service historique de la Défense (Marine) – Passage de la Corderie – BP 45 – 83800 – Toulon Naval.

Members:   The Groupe de Recherche en Archéologie Navale was created in 1982 by Naval Captain Philippe Tailliez, one of the most notable people in the underwater world, pioneer of autonomous diving and exploration under the sea, who was the organisation’s president until 1998. The association was next presided over, until 2005, by Admiral (2s) Jean-Noël Turcat, Member of the Académie de Marine and then by Rear Admiral (2s) Alain Bellot.

Michèle Rauzier and Guy Martin - Vice-presidents
Sébastien Berthaut-Clarac - General Secretary
Chantal Lorimy - Treasurer
Max Guérout - Operations manager

Contacts :

1- Max Guérout
Operations manager 
4, rue Condorcet
34500 Béziers
Tel : 00 (33) 4 67 35 92 01
Mobile: 00 (33) 6 23 16 78 17
Email: mrgueroutmaxadrien(at)9business.fr

2- Sébastien Berthaut-Clarac
General Secretary 
16, rue Elisée Reclus
30000  Nîmes
Mobile : 00 (33) 6 29 07 81 67
Email : sebastien.bc(at)archeonavale.org - sebastien.bc(at)gmail.com

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MAT - The Maritime Archaeology Trust

Character:  Not for profit, charitable organisation
Established:  1991
Members:  50 formal members

The NGO Maritime Archaeology Trust is a well-recognized NGO working in the field of underwater archaeology. It is especially well-known for its excellency in promoting awareness about underwater cultural heritage as well as in providing education. It has worked together with several national authorities on underwater archaeology in Western Europe and is also having a beneficial influence providing assistance in underwater archaeology in other regions, as for instance the Gulf region.

Contact : Garry Momber
Email :  garry.momber(at)hwtma.org.uk

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MAST- Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust

Character:  Charitable company,
Scope/Seat:  International/United Kingdom

The internationally recognised Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust (MAST) is a charitable company based in England with operations in England and abroad. Launched in 2011, its mission is to provide a critical insight to our history, through the underwater archeology resulting from thousands of years of trade, wars and alliances.

MAST is involved in both training recreational divers and also in the survey, excavation and conservation of shipwrecks off our coast. Since its formation the charity has become a major player in maritime heritage and policy formation and has developed partnerships with educational establishments key to achieving its objectives.

MAST launched the Basic Archaeological Diver training course initially as a PADI distinctive specialty and now recognised by a number of international diver training agencies. The course is designed to instill an appreciation and understanding of our underwater cultural heritage. It is well proven now that education and understanding of our UCH is effective in preventing of looting and damage to historic sites.

MAST works closely with Bournemouth University, a key project partner on a number of major archaeological projects. From 2010-2103 it worked on the excavation of the Swash Channel Wreck, an early 17th century Dutch armed merchantman sunk off Poole in Dorset. The charity has also funded the conservation of some of the Swash’s major artefacts, those of its oak carvings which will soon be on display at Poole Museum as their conservation completes.

MAST counts amongst its key clients the Ministry of Defence, Historic England and the National Trust. In 2014 MAST made a major contribution to our knowledge of Royal Navy losses since 1545. The project, entirely funded by MAST, was in aid of a team undertaking the 2001 UNESCO Convention Impact Review for the United Kingdom. MAST undertook a major assessment of the international spread of UK sovereign wrecks. The result of this is now an interactive, searchable database on MAST’s website, here: www.thisismast.org/rn-loss-list/login.php. The site is accessible to all for free.

Contact:
Jessica Berry, CEO
MAST
22 Wycombe End,
Beaconsfield,
Buckinghamshire HP9 1NB
United Kingdom
Tel : +44 (0) 7768 080105
Email : jessica(at)thisismast.org

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ADRAMAR - Association for the development of maritime archaeology research


Character:
 Non-profit organization, NGO
Established:  1993
Scope/Seat:  France, French territory and global
Members:  underwater archaeologists 

ADRAMAR is a non-profit organization, which joins underwater archaeologists trying to promote archaeological research in France and elsewhere. Its activities support the work of the DRASSM (Département des Recherches Archéologiques Subaquatiques et Sous-Marines, Ministry of Culture, France). Since its creation in 1993, ADRAMAR has undertaken many archaeological excavation and research works (Boussole, Astrolabe, Natiere, Brunei, Hougue-battle). Today, it is a significant player in underwater archaeology and develops partnerships appropriate to the project objectives of the French State authorities, local authorities, scientific institutions and private enterprises. ADRAMAR manages an atlas of underwater cultural heritage in the Atlantic and undertakes archaeological excavations in cooperation with the DRASSM.

Contact:

Eric Mancey, President
ADRAMAR
Z.A. La Fontenelle
35113 Domagné - France
Tel. : +33 (0)9 77 68 50 79  
Fax : +33 (0)2 23 27 29 46
E-mail: atlas(at)adramar.fr

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Arkaeos


Character:
  NGO
Established:   2004
Scope/Seat:   France, French and Mediterranean
Members:   underwater archaeologists and professional divers
Arkaeos works since 2004 in underwater archaeology in French and Mediterranean waters undertaking site research as well as site management activities. Arkaeos was created by young scientists and professional archaeological divers in order to create a team of professional competences in underwater archaeology. Beside its ability to work on archaeological sites it can also intervene in project preparation, such as fundraising, logistics, and management. Arkaeos is committed to the valorisation of underwater cultural heritage and its research, in particular through the organization of expositions, publications, conferences and animations. Arkaeos has close working connections to the DRASSM, the French CNRS, universities, State authorities and museums, in particular through the employment of several of its members with these institutions or formal cooperation agreements.

Contact:

Sandra Greck, President
Email: sandragreck(at)arkaeos.fr

Mourad El Amouri, Arkaeos representative to UNESCO
Email: mourad.el_amouri(at)arkaeos.fr
Tel : +33 6 85 48 67 76

Arkaeos
59, Bd Camille Flammarion
F- 13001 Marseille - France
Tel : +33 4 91 08 06 19

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SHA - Society for Historical Archaeology


Character:
 educational not-for-profit organization
Scope/Seat:  international
Members:  professionals and lay persons; the chair of the UNESCO Committee of SHA is appointed by the SHA president, and recommends appointment of other members who serve three-year terms. Presently, there are 25 members in the Committee, and two advisors.

Formed in 1967, the Society for Historical Archaeology (SHA) is a scholarly group concerned with the archaeology of the modern world (i.e. regarding a time-span from AD 1400 to the present). The main focus of the society is the era since the beginning of European exploration. SHA promotes research and dissemination of knowledge concerning historical archaeology. It is specifically concerned with the identification, excavation, and conservation of sites and materials on land and underwater. The society emphasizes the Americas, but also includes European exploration in Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

In 1999, the SHA established the SHA UNESCO Committee to monitor development and negotiation of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. With the adoption of the Convention at the 31st General Conference, the committee’s role changed to supporting the Convention’s ratification and implementation, and to at least obtain the adoption of its Annex as “best practice” when ratification is unlikely in certain areas.

The SHA UNESCO Committee has gathered endorsements and encouraged support for the UNESCO 2001 Convention and its Annex in a wide circle of professional organizations and associations.

Since the entry into force of the Convention on 2 January 2009 additional emphasis is given to facilitating training opportunities and public awareness, including outreach to countries that have ratified.

Members of the SHA UNESCO Committee have represented the SHA at UNESCO conferences in Jamaica (2002), Mozambique (2003), St. Lucia (2003) (2008), Hong Kong (2003), Senegal (2004), Colombia (2004), Morocco (2006), Sri Lanka (2007), and Ecuador (2007); and at the first session of the Meeting of States Parties to the 2001 Convention, Paris (26-27 March 2009). Since 2008, the committee has been cooperating with the US Government Affairs Committee in planning a strategy to support the Titanic Bill (based on the 1996 ICOMOS Charter and the Annex of the 2001 Convention). SHA contributed ten articles to the UNESCO/ICOMOS publication “Underwater Cultural Heritage at Risk”. In 2007, a presentation on the UNESCO Committee’s work was given at the Kingston World Archaeology Congress. In October 2008, WAC published Underwater and Maritime Archaeology in Latin America and the Caribbean (One World Archaeology Series).

Contact:

Peggy Leshikar-Denton, PhD, Director
Society for Historical Archaeology (SHA)
Chair, SHA UNESCO Committee
Telephone: + 1 (345) 525-4691
Email: leshikar(at)candw.ky

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NAS - Nautical Archaeology Society


Character:
 charitable non-profit organization
Scope/Seat:  international/United Kingdom
Members:  open to all interested persons within its ethical standards

The Nautical Archaeology Society is a charitable organization formed to actively involve members from varied backgrounds - divers and non-divers, scientists, historians or any other person with an interest locally, nationally and internationally in preserving and studying maritime heritage. It aims to improve archaeological techniques and encourage education, dissemination and research.

Over the last thirty seven years, the NAS has worked towards

  • advancing education in nautical archaeology at all levels; 
  • improving and standardizing techniques in excavation, conservation and reporting; and 
  • publishing detailed and comprehensive journals, newsletters and guides on maritime heritage and archaeological developments.

The internationally recognized NAS four-step training curriculum offers an opportunity to gain and refine skills to all who are interested in underwater archaeology, whilst both working towards a recognized qualification and contributing to archaeological projects. The training focuses on skills and techniques used in underwater and foreshore excavation and research and introduces fundamental principles and theoretical parameters of maritime archaeology. In training NAS strives to ensure that everyone has considered and understood the importance of maritime heritage and learned to care for artefacts encountered on the seabed, the foreshore, or on dry land.
The NAS curriculum is being used by heritage and archaeology organizations in fifteen countries to raise awareness of threats to archaeology and to provide skills for participation in projects. NAS assists UNESCO in the elaboration and implementation of its regional training programmes in Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Publications: NAS publishes The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology (IJNA) and has recently published “Underwater Archaeology: The NAS Guide to Principles and Practice” ed. 2, 2008, which was commissioned to help address the scarcity of information on maintaining acceptable standards of archaeology whilst working underwater. The original 1992 publication, known as the NAS Handbook, was updated to ensure it stays current with the great technological advances made in the field of underwater exploration and archaeological research. The new edition includes advice and guidance on underwater photography, the importance of conservation and the use of newly evolved geophysical and remote-sensing equipment.

Representatives of NAS participate in events including Dive Shows, the Festival of British Archaeology and many local maritime festivals and conferences. NAS hosts an annual conference in November, featuring a full day of lectures in a range of topics given by professional and amateur archaeologists from the NAS international community. NAS was co-organizer of the IKUWA3 conference, which took place under UNESCO’s auspices.

Contact:

Mark Beattie-Edwards, MA, AIfA, Programme Director
Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS)
Fort Cumberland
Eastney, Portsmouth - UK
PO4 9LD
Tel: +44 (0) 23 92818419
Email: mark(at)nauticalarchaeologysociety.org

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JNAPC - Joint Nautical Archaeology Policy Committee


Character:
 association of British organizations
Scope/Seat:  United Kingdom
Members:  Members and observers cover a wide cross section of the British underwater archaeological community from sports diving organisations to government departments as well as selected professionals.

The JNAPC was formed in 1988 by individuals and representatives of institutions who wished to raise awareness of Britain’s underwater cultural heritage and to convince the British government that sites of historic importance located under water should receive no less protection than those on land. It meets four times a year and maintains a legislation sub-committee that occupies itself with domestic law and international agreements such as the UNESCO 2001 Convention. JNAPC is consulted in case of law reforms concerning submerged archaeological sites.

The JNAPC's position is that historic wrecks in international waters should not be salvaged or excavated for commercial gain. It seeks the ratification by the United Kingdom Government of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.

The aim of the JNAPC has been to raise the profile of nautical archaeology in both government and diving circles and to present a consensus upon which government and other organizations can act.

  • The JNAPC seeks the ratification by the United Kingdom Government of the UNESCO 2001 Convention and to this effect it launched the Burlington House Declaration which was presented to the government in 2006. Since then it has continued to press for ratification by the UK.
  • The JNAPC campaigns for the education of all sea users about the importance of nautical heritage. It has sought better funding for nautical archaeology and improved legislation, a subject on which it has published a number of papers that have made detailed recommendations for legal and administrative changes to improve protection of the UK’s underwater cultural heritage (see Heritage Law at Sea, 2000;  An Interim Report on The Valletta Convention & Heritage Law at Sea, 2003).
  • The JNAPC launched the publication Heritage at Sea in May 1989, which put forward proposals for the better protection of archaeological sites underwater. It was followed up by Still at Sea in May 1993 which drew attention to outstanding issues. The Code of Practice for Seabed Developers was launched in January 1995, and an archaeological leaflet for divers, Underwater Finds - What to Do, was published in January 1998 in collaboration with the Sports Diving Associations BSAC, PADI and SAA. The more detailed explanatory brochure, Underwater Finds - Guidance for Divers, followed in May 2000 and Wreck Diving – Don’t Get Scuttled, an educational brochure for divers, was published in October 2000.

Contact:

Robert Yorke, Chair
Joint Nautical Archaeology Policy Committee (JNAPC)
Tel: + 44 (0) 1403 79 03 11
Cellphone: + 44 (0) 7860 559445
Email: Robert.Yorke(at)btinternet.com  or jnapc(at)britarch.ac.uk

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INA - Institute of Nautical Archaeology


Character:
 non-profit, scientific and educational organization based at and affiliated with Texas A&M University
Scope/Seat:  international/USA
Members:  open to all interested persons within its ethical standards

The Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA) is a global leader in the field of underwater archaeology. Since its foundation in 1960, INA conducts archaeological research to increase knowledge of the evolution of civilization through the location and excavation of submerged and buried ships, submerged ruins, and their associated artefacts. In order to achieve its mission, INA seeks sponsorships and works with partners worldwide to continue the search for the most archaeologically important nautical sites in the world. These sites are surveyed, excavated, studied and the findings preserved to the highest scientific standards and shared with the widest possible audience for the benefit of humanity. Since 1973, INA has sponsored almost than 200 excavations and surveys spanning a 3,600-year time frame on five continents with projects in Albania, the Bahamas, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, the Caymans, Cyprus, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Eritrea, France, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Panama, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, the Turks and Caicos, and in the United States from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. 

INA endorses and follows the Charter on the Protection and Management of Underwater Cultural Heritage (1996) as ratified by the 11th ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) General Assembly, held in Sofia, Bulgaria. The guiding principles of INA are thus based on scholarship and an equal regard for every aspect of a project, from excavation of the site and the conservation and preservation of artefacts, to the publication of research and the distribution of the knowledge gained. INA has pioneered technologies and fostered excellence in all aspects of nautical archaeology, from excavation and conservation through to preservation, analysis and publication. INA also contributes to the global knowledge and the future of the discipline by providing training grounds for the next generation of nautical archaeologists through their participation in Institute projects. By affiliating with Texas A&M University, INA advanced the field of underwater archaeology not only in the United States, by training future academics, museum curators, and state, federal, and contract underwater archaeologists, but by training students from around the world. In order to disseminate the results of its research in scholarly and popular form, INA began several publications series: The Ed Rachal Foundation Nautical Archaeology Series (Texas A&M Press) for major excavation reports; Studies in Nautical Archaeology (Texas A&M Press in the U.S. and Chatham Publishing in the U.K.) for slimmer works, including those written by graduate students as M.A. theses; INA Reports in the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, and the INA Quarterly (formerly INA Newsletter), now joined by the INA Annual.

INA's decades of experience in Turkey provide a model for cooperation between this American research institute and other countries. INA's dedication to and insistence upon rigorous archaeological techniques, education of local staff and archaeologists, cooperation with local governments and needs, and curation, exhibition, and publication of finds in the home country have produced one of the finest nautical archaeology institutes and museums in the world.

Contact:

Institute of Nautical Archaeology
P.O. Drawer HG College Station, TX 77841-5137 - USA
Tel: +1 979 845-6694 Fax: +1 979 847-9260
Email: info(at)inadiscover.com

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DEGUWA - German Society for the Promotion of Underwater Archaeology


Character:
 registered non-governmental organization, non-profit
Scope/Seat:  international/Germany
Members:  international, number unlimited

The Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Unterwasserarchäologie (German Society for the Promotion of Underwater Archaeology – DEGUWA), is a non-profit non-governmental organization. It associates professional archaeologists, historians and scientists, as well as laymen and sport divers. It aims at the promotion of and the care for underwater archaeology and the protection of cultural artefacts. DEGUWA members are working in an honorary capacity in this area since 18 years. DEGUWA supports the ratification and implementation of the “Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage” (2001). DEGUWA’s objectives are achieved by collaborating with universities, heritage agencies, museums, other non-profit organizations and sport divers at national and international level. Underwater excavations and surveys are carried out in cooperation with the responsible authorities. The annual conference “In Poseidons Reich” serves as venue for the exchange of latest research results, whilst its journal SKYLLIS serves dissemination purposes. DEGUWA’s training scheme follows the standards of the Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS).

DEGUWA’s Activities in relation to the UNESCO 2001 Convention

1999  DEGUWA initiates the 1st international congress for underwater archaeology entitled “Protection of Cultural Heritage under Water” held at Sassnitz, Rügen, which was followed by a final resolution calling for support to the UNESCO Convention, at the time in elaboration.

2001  Attendance of the adoption of the Convention in Paris.

2002  Report at the DEGUWA conference “In Poseidon’s Reich VII” on the passing of the UNESCO Convention 2001 in Aachen (Germany).

2006  Appeal to the cultural committee of the German Bundestag concerning the improvement of the draft law regarding the Unidroit Convention about stolen or illegally exported cultural heritage of 1995. The DEGUWA “demands insistently to modify the drafted law to the effect that all archaeological and historic-cultural findings – the known as well as the unknown – in the oceans, rivers and lakes are protected”.

2007  Critique issued concerning the decision of the Bundestag of February 1, 2007 in the 2nd reading and of the final vote about the drafted law regarding the UNESCO-Agreement for protection of cultural heritage.

2008  Adoption of the “Hamburg Statement” appealing to German politicians to ratify the 2001Convention.

2009  January: During the worldwide largest aquatics fair boot 09 in Düsseldorf, DEGUWA starts the first phase of an information campaign regarding the UNESCO 2001 Convention and of the issuance of a petition to the German Bundestag encouraging ratification.
 February – June:  Second phase of the same campaign in cooperation with academic institutions, museums, cultural associations and the general public.
 October: Presentation “Year One after Entry into Force: The Situation in Germany and the Input of NGOs” at the First Experts Meeting on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage in South-Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, Zadar (Croatia) and Distribution of a Joint Statement at the 12th International Symposium on Boat and Ship Archaeology in Istanbul (Turkey).

Contact:

Peter Winterstein M.A., Director
DEGUWA
Hetzelsdorf 33
D-91362 Pretzfeld - Germany 
Email: mail(at)deguwa.org

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CIE - Centre for International Heritage Activities


Character:
 non-profit organization with board of trustees founded in compliance with statutory regulations of the Chamber of Commerce of the Netherlands
Scope/Seat:  international
Members: international, number unlimited

The Centre for International Heritage Activities (CIE) is an independent, non-profit organization for international knowledge exchange on the heritage of the European expansion and international heritage cooperation. The CIE is involved in the management of international heritage programs and stimulates academic research on the heritage of the European expansion. It is considered an important academic partner. CIE’s experts have published various articles in national and international scientific journals as well as in editorials. Direct academic partner is the University of Leiden, where the director is appointed as associate professor at the faculty of archaeology. 

The CIE was founded in 2006 in the Netherlands. The roots of its activities lie in Sri Lanka with the Maritime Archaeological VOC-ship Avondster project (1998-2007). Together with UNESCO (Bangkok office) the CIE worked on a field school in Galle, Sri Lanka, as follow-up of this project, from 2006 on under the CIE. Many activities of the CIE relate to the theme of Maritime Underwater Cultural Heritage (MUCH) and all serve the purpose of the ratification of the UNESCO Convention of 2001, Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, which the CIE strongly supports.
Since its founding the CIE has implemented several capacity building programs appropriate for a number of countries, and taking into consideration the requirements of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. UCH activities have taken place in Sri Lanka, South Africa, Tanzania, Mozambique, Hong Kong and Micronesia. For the coming years more activities are scheduled.

A selection of CIE’s UCH activities:

  1. Preparation and Implementation of Maritime Cultural Heritage Management (MCHM) Tanzania: CIE prepared an outline of a capacity building programme. The programme focussed on the implementation of comprehensive theoretical and practical training of the trainees. In addition CIE conducted some non-disturbance site surveys in the Kilwa region. This survey also assisted in preparing a more comprehensive management plan for this important World Heritage Site.
  2. CIE and the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) developed an Underwater Cultural Heritage Programme. Essentially, building up the capacity of a ‘Competent Authority’ as required under the 2001 UNESCO and developing a program that is consistent with the principles and practices (the ‘Rules’) of the UNESCO Convention.
  3. Two-day workshop with Maputo UNESCO Office staff, and government, university and Ilha de Mozambique officials and community representatives, regarding the protection and management of Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage (MUCH) sites around the Ilha de Mozambique. The CIE was requested to organize a “sensibilisation seminar” with the population of Ilha de Mozambique as a first step in a new programme for the (maritime) world heritage of Ilha. 

In general the CIE stimulates the development of a regional database in Southern Africa on UCH sites through organizing workshops in the region.

Contact:

Dr Robert Parthesius, Director
Centre for International Heritage Activities (CIE)
Steenstraat 1
2312 BS Leiden - the Netherlands
Email: r.parthesius(at)heritage-activities.nl 

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AIMA - Australian Institute for Maritime Archaeology


Character:
 incorporated non-profit organization with a constitution, annual general meeting held in conjunction with the annual conference
Scope/Seat:  international/Australia
Members:  international, number unlimited

The Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology (AIMA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of underwater cultural heritage, and promotion of maritime archaeology conducted in accordance with internationally accepted ethical standards. Based in Australia it has sponsored work throughout Australia, Asia and the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions. AIMA works closely with and provides advice to the Australian Federal Government (Depart of the Environment and Water Resources) on policy pertaining to underwater cultural heritage, such as the Australian National Historic Shipwrecks Research Plan, and the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. 

AIMA strongly supports the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage and the work of the International Committee for Underwater Cultural Heritage (ICUCH), a committee of ICOMOS. Its objectives are:

  1. to support the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage and adopt the Rules of its Annex for its activities on underwater cultural heritage; 
  2. to support and undertake scientific research in the field of maritime archaeology within a defined Code of Ethics 
  3. to promote the advancement of the field of maritime archaeology; 
  4. to promote international co-operation in the excavation of maritime archaeological sites, and the research and studies related to this field; 
  5. to co-operate with Australasian Maritime Archaeological Associations and any other body or person having similar aims; 
  6. to publish periodically a Bulletin and a Newsletter or such other publications as may be determined from time to time; 
  7. to inform and make recommendations to government and organizations of matters relating to maritime archaeology;
  8. to co-operate with Australasian organizations working in the field of maritime archaeology; and
  9. to subsidize or contribute to any institutions, organizations and scholarships agreeable to any of the objects specified herein.

AIMA members have been involved in training programmes in China, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Joint co-operative projects have been undertaken in Kenya, Oman, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, Korea and Japan, to assist and support existing or developing maritime archaeological programmes. AIMA has also supported the recent Australian expeditions to Turkey to identify the remains of the WWI Australian submarine AE2 lost in the Dardanelles at the time of the Gallipoli Campaign. For a number of years AIMA also supported the Joint Thai-Australian Maritime Archaeological Programme in Thailand. This programme involved work in association with Thai maritime archaeologists on shipwreck sites in the Gulf of Thailand.

Contact:

Jennifer McKinnon, PhD/David Steinberg AIMA President
Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology (AIMA)
Dept. of Archaeology
Flinders University
GPO Box 2100
Adelaide SA 5100 - Australia
Email: president@aima-underwater.org.au

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ACUA - Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology


Character:
 Advisory council with board of directors and advisors
Established:  1959
Scope/Seat:  international
Members:  12 professionals from state and federal archaeology programs, museums, non-profit institutes, and avocational societies involved in underwater archaeology; it also includes professionals in the fields of conservation and education

The Advisory Council for Underwater Archaeology (ACUA) was created in 1959. It is composed of twelve men and women elected on a rotating basis by the membership of the Society for Historical Archaeology (SHA). It has individual and institutional associate members. A Memorandum of Agreement between the ACUA and the SHA formalizes the relationship between the two organizations. Over the years ACUA became a significant entity in underwater research. It has a board of directors and advisors.

The ACUA serves as an international advisory body on issues relating to underwater archaeology, conservation, and submerged cultural resources management. Its primary purposes are to organize meetings and foster communication in the field. It is working to educate scholars, governments, sport divers, and the general public about underwater archaeology and the preservation of underwater resources. The ACUA assists the SHA Conference Committee in organizing the annual SHA Conference on Historical and Underwater Archaeology and aids in producing special thematic issues on underwater archaeology. The ACUA developed an introductory brochure on underwater archaeology.

ACUA undertakes also many other activities, including providing scholarship monies for students and organizing and supporting research. ACUA has also involved itself in many major projects; developing standards for specialty courses in underwater archaeology, and standards for conservation of artifacts from the underwater environment.

The ACUA was a prime mover in enabling passage of the Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987, a piece of legislation which has had a profound effect on the protection, management and research on underwater archaeological resources.

Contact:

Marc-André Bernier, Chair
ACUA (Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology)
Cultural Sciences
Parcs Canada/Parks Canada
1800 Walkley Road
Ottawa (Ontario) K1A 0M5 - Canada
Email: info(at)acuaonline.org 


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