To facilitate capacity building and in order to help train new qualified maritime archaeologists, UNESCO has published

• a Training Manual for Courses on the Protection and Management of Underwater Cultural Heritage; 
• a Manual for Activities directed at Underwater Cultural Heritage. 

Both texts are very substantial and are freely available online. They are internationally recognized as excellent introductions to maritime archaeological practice and give students the broad theoretical framework they need to get started in the field. 

Furthermore, as part of its UCH Outreach Programme, UNESCO also organizes training courses to teach students the practical skills necessary to work as maritime archaeologists, policy makers or heritage managers. Previous such trainings have taken place in Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria and Turkey. 

The courses in Kemer, Turkey are of special interest: they are organized by UNESCO in collaboration with its UniTwin network (which embodies six of the highest ranking universities in the field of maritime archaeology) and are hosted by the network coordinator Selçuk University. During two weeks of intensive practical courses, participants from African nations are taught the core principles of UCH management, research and conservation. Diving is central to these trainings, as students learn how to conduct surveys and excavations in the underwater environment.  

The first training course in Kemer was held in 2011 and involved 18 participants from eight different countries. Selçuk University’s brand new research vessel and training center will be at the disposal of students on the second training course, which will take place from 13 to 23 May 2015.