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Basic underwater archaeology course

The International Centre on Underwater Archaeology (ICUA) is organising a 2-week basic training course on underwater archaeology, due to take place in Zadar, Croatia, on 30 May - 11 June 2011. The course is organised with the support of the UNESCO Office in Venice.
The course will consist of theoretical and practical (hands on) instruction in the basic techniques of underwater archaeological excavation. Archaeologists from ICUA and the University of Zadar will conduct theoretical lessons, complemented by courses in diving and specialty diving according to the requirements of the Scuba Schools International (SSI) system. Practical instruction will take place in the frame of archaeological researches in the Zadar environs, in order to allow the participants acquire the best possible knowledge of basic research techniques.
The course’s expected beneficiaries are archaeologists who have no or scarce diving experience, as well as experts in different disciplines (conservators, geologists, marine biologists, etc) who are interested in developing multidisciplinary skills and participate in underwater archaeology researches.
Participation costs, intended board and lodging for the participants, plus teaching activities and use of diving equipment during the course, will be covered by the organisers. Participants will be admitted to the study programme based on the specific requirements that apply (see the attached Annex).

Annex


Participants

The number of participants is limited to maximum 8 persons from the countries participating in the annual Ministerial Conferences on Cultural Heritage in South-Eastern Europe (namely: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, and Serbia). Candidates from other countries are also encouraged to apply, although their applications will be only considered for possible posts remaining after evaluation of candidatures from the above-mentioned countries.
Expected profile of participants: archaeologists (including researchers, or university students enrolled in study courses for 2nd level degrees) with no or scarce diving experience, as well as experts in different disciplines (conservators, geologists, marine biologists, etc) who are interested in developing multidisciplinary skills and participate in underwater archaeology researches.
Language skills: participants must be proficient in the English language, English being the working language of the course.

Tentative Programme

Programmed activities will include:
  • Week one (30.5.2011 to 4.6.2011. This part is optional, for participants with no or scarce diving experience): basic diving training for those who do not have diving category or wish to advance in the category or add diving specialty. The course is conducted in English, according to Scuba Schools International (SSI) methodology. It will be possible to attend one of the following courses: Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Stress & Rescue Course, CPR & First Aid Course, Dive-con course or Specialty Courses (Night dive, Boat Diving, Navigation, Wreck Diving, Deep diving). Courses in theoretical and practical part will be lead by SSI instructors. Participants completing any of these courses will receive an official SSI Certificate
  • Week two (6.6.2011 to 11.6.2011): course on underwater archeology. The theoretical part of the course will be conducted at ICUA Zadar, and a practical part in Pakoštane, at the archaeological site of Janice. Lectures will be conducted according to the SSI program for underwater archeology, NAS course for underwater archeology, and the expanded on basis of underwater archeology at the University of Zadar. All participants will take part in archaeological excavations of the ancient port for on-site training. Participants completing this course will receive a SSI certificate for diving specialty underwater archeology, and an official certificate of successful course completion issued by ICUA.

Participation costs

Participants will receive, free of charge:
  • Accommodation (board and lodging) during the course
  • Local transfers to the training sites
  • SSI manual
  • NAS manual
  • Rented diving equipment (optional)
  • SSI Diving Certificate (optional)
  • SSI Certificate specialty underwater archaeologist
  • ICUA certificate of attendance and successful completion of the course

Participants will NOT receive:
  • reimbursement or contributions for their travel to/from Zadar
  • any daily allowance or other forms of additional financial support during the course.

Requirements
  • swimming proficiency  (optional initial diving knowledge)
  • medical certificate ensuring fitness for diving
  • international diving insurance against accidents (DAN or similar)
  • at least 18 years of age
  • English proficiency

To apply
  • send your request, presentation letter and Curriculum Vitae to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it