Underwater Archaeology

About this course

This specialty course is to expose the diver to the methods used by underwater archaeologists in their studies and preservation of submerged historic sites. The use of past accounts of submerged archaeological finds and site work are an important part of this course. Graduates are considered competent to engage in open water diving activities without supervision, provided the diving environment, activities, areas dived, and equipment approximate those of training. 

Prerequisite

• Age. Minimum is 15 years by the water phase of the course. (Junior certification for ages 10-14 years is allowed. See “Policies Applying to All Courses: Age, Junior Certification.”)
• Certification/Experience/Knowledge. As an open water scuba diver course, certification as a NAUI Open Water Scuba Diver or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so. One open water dive (which does not count toward the minimum number of dives required for the course) may be used as a screening and evaluation dive. This is not required when the student’s diving proficiencies are well known to the instructor.
• Equipment. Students shall furnish and be responsible for the care and maintenance of their own diving equipment. The instructor shall initially assist the student in checking all student gear to ensure it is adequate and in proper working order.