Advanced underwater archaeology course
The International Centre for Underwater Archaeology (ICUA) in Zadar organizes international courses in underwater archaeology every year. These courses are designed to provide practical and theoretical training to candidates who wish to work independently or as part of a team in the field of underwater archaeology. The courses consist of a theoretical segment and practical work that is supervised by experienced underwater archaeologists from ICUA Zadar.
Candidates can choose from several courses, including Basic Underwater Archaeology Course, Advanced Underwater Archaeology Course, ICUA Field School, Nautical Archaeology Society Course, and Underwater Photogrammetry Course.
All course participants receive their own copy of the guide to Principles and Practice in Underwater Archaeology as well as the latest issue of the Submerged Heritage magazine, which is published by ICUA Zadar.
At the end of the course, candidates take an exam in both the theoretical and practical components, after which they are awarded a certificate of completion.
Advanced course
The Advanced Underwater Archaeology Course is a two-week program offered by the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology (ICUA) in Croatia. The course is designed to provide participants with advanced knowledge and skills needed to conduct underwater archaeological research. The course is a continuation of the Basic Underwater Archaeology Course and is aimed at individuals who already have some experience in the field.
The course will cover a range of advanced topics, including advanced methods for locating and documenting underwater sites, advanced methods for excavating underwater sites and advanced techniques for conserving and interpreting underwater sites and artifacts.
The course will consist of both classroom lectures and practical fieldwork, with participants having the opportunity to participate as a research team member in a real underwater archaeological project. The Course is open to students, professionals, and individuals who have completed the Basic Underwater Archaeology Course or have equivalent experience.
The theoretical segment of the course will cover advanced topics such as the use of remote sensing technologies in underwater archaeology, the analysis of underwater landscapes, and the interpretation of underwater cultural heritage.
The practical segment of the course will cover advanced techniques such as the use of advanced underwater photography and video documentation, advanced techniques for artifact conservation and advanced approaches to the analysis of underwater archaeological data.
Overall, the Advanced Underwater Archaeology Course is a unique opportunity for individuals with prior experience in the field to further develop their knowledge and skills in the advanced techniques of underwater archaeology and to participate in a real underwater archaeological project.
After the course, participants are expected to be diving proficient and to have advanced practical insight in underwater archaeological techniques.
The theoretical segment of the course will cover:
- Advanced Methodology of Underwater Archaeology
- Advanced 2D underwater documentation
- Advanced 3D underwater documentation
- In situ Protection of Underwater Sites and Handling and Conservation of Archaeological Finds
- Photogrammetry and post-processing of data
- Safe diving at work
- Organizing of archaeological excavation and publishing of the results
The practical segment of training will cover:
- Underwater survey techniques, including site survey and mapping
- Underwater excavation techniques
- Independent using of dredges, water pumps, and hand tools
- Preparing underwater housing for Camera
- Site documentation methods, including underwater photography and videography, 2D and 3D mapping, and archaeological drawing
- Recording and cataloging of artifacts
- Independent packing, labeling, and transport of artifacts
- Post-excavation processing od collected data
- Use of specialized software(s) for data processing and analysis
- Team management, including delegation of tasks and communication strategies
- Basic boat operations
