Call for Applications: Advanced Underwater Archaeology Course 2026 (Deadline: 16th March 2026)
1. Introduction
The International Centre for Underwater Archaeology Zadar (ICUA Zadar), a Category II Centre under the auspices of UNESCO, is organizing a 2-week Advanced Underwater Archaeology Course that will take place in Zadar region, Croatia, from 4th to 15th May 2026.
The course will consist of theoretical and practical (hands-on) instructions in the field of underwater archaeology i.e., techniques of underwater archaeological excavation and documentation of underwater sites and finds. The course is aimed at archaeologists who have diving experience and some experience of practical underwater archaeology. It is designed to provide participants with advanced skills and training in underwater archaeological knowledge and project planning.
The course is organized with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia. Practical arrangements are coordinated by ICUA Zadar and guest lecturers and other associates. Theoretical lessons will be held in morning hours, while practical instruction and excavation will take place around noon in the vicinity of Zadar.
After successfully completing the exercises, the practical fieldwork related to the research of an underwater archaeological site will take place at the islet Srednja Sestrica, located near the city of Zadar.
2. Participants
The maximum number of trainees will be limited to 4 participants.
Expected profile of participants: archaeologists (including researchers or university students enrolled in graduate level degrees) with diving experience who intend to qualify as members of underwater archaeological teams and participate in underwater archaeological research.
Language skills: Participants must be proficient in English, as it will be the official language of the course.
3. Tentative Programme
Scheduled activities will include a two-week course on underwater archaeology. The theoretical part of the course will be held in Zadar whereas practical lessons will take place at ICUA Zadar’s premises. Lectures will be conducted following the ICUA Zadar course curriculum for underwater archaeology. As part of their on-site training, all participants will take part in archaeological excavation of the postmedieval shipwreck as members of a team, and will gain practical experience. At the end of the course, participants who successfully complete all exercises and all course requirements will receive an official ICUA Zadar certificate of successful course completion.
Underwater archaeology theoretical lectures are conducted in the morning. ICUA Zadar reserves the right to change the schedule in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Mandatory practical exercises in underwater archaeology will be conducted on a daily basis on the following topics:
· Logistical organization of personal and team equipment
· Basic boat operations
· Use of water pump and hoses
· Underwater use of water dredge in a trench excavation
· Preparing underwater camera housing and underwater photographic documentation of a site, a trench and an archeological find
· Packing, labeling and transport of finds
· Underwater drawing documentation and post-processing of data
· Practical use of computer programme for documenting the site
· Area survey with use of a boat-mounted side scan sonar
Upon completing the course, trainees are expected to have acquired the necessary skills to work independently on any of the tasks covered by the programme.
(The exact schedule of lectures and practical exercises will be published subsequently.)
4. Participation costs
There is no fee for the selected participants. During their stay in Croatia, ICUA Zadar will provide:
• Accommodation in ICUA’s dormitory
• Weekly voucher for food costs up to 50 EUR per participant
• Local transfers to the training sites
• Diving equipment (if participants do not have their own)
• The NAS Guide to Principles and Practice and latest issue of Submerged Heritage
• Insurance against injury
• ICUA Zadar certificate of attendance and successful completion of the course
• ICUA promotional materials
Selected applicants 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.
5. Requirements
• University education (minimum first-level degree) in archaeology or related fields
• Minimum Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD), CMAS** or an equivalent diving certificate
• At least 30 dives verified in the logbook by an instructor, divemaster, diving club or diving center
• Proof of practical experience in underwater archaeology
• Medical certificate ensuring fitness for diving
• At least 18 years of age
*Current professional affiliation to public institutions responsible for cultural heritage protection will be considered as a plus
6. Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed and selected based on the professional and educational profiles as presented in the application documents.
Priority will be given to applicants coming from public institutions (either at local or at central level) competent for the protection and management of cultural heritage, and especially underwater cultural heritage wherever possible.
Applications with similar professional profiles will be prioritized based on the educational level.
Possible letters of support from parent institutions will also be considered as an added value.
In the selection, geographical balance will be sought and the selection of more than one applicant from the same country will be avoided.
7. Application
Applicants should send to ICUA Zadar the following documents, no later than 16th March 2026:
• Curriculum Vitae (on Europass CV template!)
• Scan of the diving card
• Scan of valid diving medical certificate ensuring fitness for diving
• Scan of logbook with verified dives
Participants will have to present diving insurance upon receiving official notification of acceptance to the course.
Applications and accompanying documentation (CV, diving certificate, valid medical certificate ensuring fitness for diving, logbook) should be sent by e-mail to the attention of Ms. Maja Kaleb (mkaleb@icua.hr). Deadline for submission of the documents is 16th March 2026. All applicants will be informed about acceptance by 20th April 2026.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, ICUA Zadar reserves the right to change the schedule or to cancel the course.
