There are thousands of potentially polluting wrecks (PPW) that are threatening the safety of our marine environment and the safety of those that use it. Be part of the citizen science team that does something about this problem. Get training in how to identify polluting wrecks and receive tips on how to talk to your peers about this problem. Be part of this heritage and environmental movement. And it is all free thanks to funding by Lloyd's Register Foundation.

Want to attend a NAS course or event for free? Complete this free hosting training course and you'll be eligible to host online or in-person courses depending on your preferences. The Education Manager will contact you about hosting events and courses once you've completed this training.

Dive safer - Learn to identify explosive and environmental hazards on wrecks and support safe, informed diving on military sites.  This online course is a prerequisite for NAS/MoD diving projects and will equip you to assess, record, and understand the risks posed by military wrecks. You’ll learn how to support the UK Ministry of Defence’s efforts to investigate and mitigate pollution from sunken warships both in UK waters and overseas. The course includes 4 hours of pre-recorded videos (available ahead of time) and two live online sessions on 24 and 26 November 2026, 7–9pm GMT. Participation in all elements is required to earn 5 NAS credits.£40 course fee. Course content (pre-recorded modules): Module 1: Introduction to the MoD Wrecks Management Programme Understand the UK MoD’s global work in researching, monitoring, and remediating pollutants from historic military wrecks. Module 2: Ammunition on Wrecks Ordnance expert Tom Harrison (MSDS Marine) shares what explosive devices may be found, how they appear after decades underwater, and why they must never be disturbed. Module 3: Pollution on Wrecks MoD Wreck Environmental Scientist Polly Hill explains the environmental risks posed by decaying vessels and how divers can help detect and mitigate pollution. Module 4: Case Studies Real-world wreck investigations, including: Toxic Legacy (Asia Pacific) – Matt Carter and Freya Goodsir, RFA Darkdale – Matt Skelhorn, USS Prinz Eugen – Polly Hill, HMS Royal Oak – Matt Skelhorn, Live Online Sessions  24 and 26 November 2026, 7–9pm GMT Deepen your learning with expert-led sessions including: How to read ship plans and locate ammunition,  Underwater ordnance recognition,  Historic and environmental desk-based assessments,  Wreck integrity surveys and how to contribute,  Interactive ID quizzes and opportunities to get involved in upcoming projects,  Perfect for divers, archaeologists, and anyone working with or researching military wrecks. Run in partnership with SALMO, MoD.  

Get to grips with QGIS and start mapping the past—no prior GIS experience required. Learn how to visualise, analyse, and share archaeological data. This online introductory course is designed for those new to GIS, with a focus on using QGIS—a free, open-source software widely used in archaeology. Through seven short video tutorials (total 1.5 hours), hands-on exercises, and assignments, you'll gain practical skills in setting up projects, sourcing and creating data, using tools, and sharing results—particularly for maritime contexts. Modules are: Introduction to GIS, Setting up a Project, Data Sources, Creating Data, Modifying Data, Interrogating Data, Other Tools, and Displaying and Sharing Data. The course is self-paced but includes a mandatory one-hour live Q&A session (multiple dates and times in March 2026) with an expert tutor to complete the course and earn 5 NAS credits.£40 course fee. Ideal for archaeologists, students, and heritage professionals.Run with in partnership with MSDS Marine and MSDS Heritage

Bring the past to life on paper—learn the fundamentals of archaeological illustration from home with expert-led guidance and hands-on practice. This live online course introduces the theory, techniques, and conventions of archaeological illustration, focusing on pottery and small finds. Perfect for beginners, the course combines expert presentations, structured exercises, and personalised feedback—all using simple household objects as stand-ins for real artefacts. Saturday 10 October 2026 | 9am–5pm GMT.£40 course fee | 5 NAS credits. Topics covered are: Why Archaeological Illustration Still Matters, Theory: Pottery Illustration Techniques & Conventions, Practical: Pottery Drawing Exercise, Theory: Small Finds Illustration, Practical: Small Finds Drawing, and Putting It into Perspective. All sessions are live and interactive, with breaks throughout the day. Ideal for students, volunteers, or professionals looking to build skills in archaeological recording and communication.  

Want to attend a NAS course or event for free? Complete this free hosting training course and you'll be eligible to host online or in-person courses depending on your preferences. The Education Manager will contact you about hosting events and courses once you've completed this training.

Unlock the secrets of historic artillery and gain practical skills to identify and record cannons both on land and underwater. This eLearning course explores the development of cannon from the late Middle Ages to the 19th century, focusing on European examples. Learn how to recognise key features of historic cannon, understand their archaeological significance, and apply professional recording techniques. Modules are: Introduction to Cannons, The History and Development of Cannons, The Cannon Assemblage, Site Formation and Conservation, Cannon Wreck Case Studies, Recording Cannons, Researching Cannons, How to 'Read' a Cannon and The Cannon Detective. Perfect for archaeologists, divers, heritage professionals and enthusiasts, the course takes 4–6 hours to complete (self-paced) and costs £55 (5 credits for NAS members). Course development has been supported by a grant from Historic England.  

Transform your drawings into digital records—learn how to illustrate archaeological finds using free, professional-grade software. This self-paced online course introduces you to digital illustration techniques using Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics program. You'll learn to produce accurate, publication-ready illustrations of pottery and small finds, enhancing both research and the archaeological record. Designed for those with a foundation in archaeological illustration, this course is open to participants who have completed the NAS Archaeological Illustration course (8 November 2025 or previous versions of the course) or can demonstrate equivalent experience. Course includes: Step-by-step modules covering core Inkscape tools and illustration workflows, Exercises for hands-on practice, Optional live online support sessions with the expert tutor on 11am 31st January, 1pm 2nd February and 8pm 5th February 2026. All times in GMT. £40 course fee | 5 NAS creditsLearn at your own pace, from anywhere, and gain essential skills for digital documentation in archaeology.

Learn how to capture the past in 3D—create accurate digital models of artefacts, features, and sites using photogrammetry. This beginner-friendly eLearning course introduces the theory and techniques behind photogrammetry, with a focus on maritime archaeology. Explore photography fundamentals, equipment setup, survey planning, data processing, and how to avoid common errors. You’ll gain the knowledge to generate high-quality 3D models for research, monitoring, and presentation. Modules are: Photography and Photogrammetry for Maritime Archaeology, Development and Uses of Photography in Archaeology, Introduction to Photogrammetry, EquipmentPhotography Basics and Techniques, Survey Planning for Photogrammetry, Processing your Data, Avoiding Errors, Optimising Outputs and Publishing Results and Monitoring Archaeological Sites. Ideal for archaeologists, students, divers and heritage enthusiasts. The course takes 4–6 hours to complete at your own pace.Course fee: £55 (5 credits for NAS members). Note: A reasonably modern computer with an AMD or Nvidia graphics card is required for 3D modelling. MAC users will be limited to one recommended software option. Course development has been supported by a grant from Historic England There is an annual in-person practical course taught at Fort Cumberland, Portsmouth, UK. Check the NAS events site for upcoming dates.

Start your journey into maritime archaeology—complete this interactive theory course and progress toward your NAS Foundation Qualification. This beginner-friendly, self-paced online course combines Discover Maritime Archaeology and Discover Underwater Archaeology to give you a solid foundation in the subject—no prior experience needed. Work through 13 engaging modules covering the full archaeological process, from discovery to dissemination. Expect to spend 8–10 hours completing the course at your own pace. Modules are: Introduction to maritime archaeology, Site types, Artefact Investigation, Archaeological Dating Methods, Legislation, Recording and Monitoring, Research and pre-fieldwork, Health and Safety, Geophysics, Fieldwork, Survival Conditions, Post-fieldwork, Archiving and Dissemination. Course fee includes a one-year NAS membership for new membersComplete this theory course and attend an NAS Skills Day to earn your NAS Foundation Qualification and begin your archaeological journey.  Course development has been supported by a grant from Historic England.

Start your journey into maritime archaeology—complete this interactive theory course and progress toward your NAS Foundation Qualification. This beginner-friendly, self-paced online course combines Discover Maritime Archaeology and Discover Coastal Archaeology to give you a solid foundation in the subject—no prior experience needed. Work through 13 engaging modules covering the full archaeological process, from discovery to dissemination. Expect to spend 8–10 hours completing the course at your own pace. Modules are: Introduction to maritime archaeology, Site types, Artefact Investigation, Archaeological Dating Methods, Legislation, Recording and Monitoring, Research and pre-fieldwork, Health and Safety, Geophysics, Fieldwork, Survival Conditions, Post-fieldwork, Archiving and Dissemination. Course fee includes a one-year NAS membership for new membersComplete this theory course and attend an NAS Skills Day to earn your NAS Foundation Qualification and begin your archaeological journey.  Course development has been supported by a grant from Historic England.

Discover what maritime archaeology is really about—it’s not just shipwrecks, and it’s not all underwater! This course, Discover Underwater Archaeology, MUST ONLY BE COMPLETED AFTER THE Discover Maritime Archaeology course. This engaging, interactive online theory course is the perfect introduction to maritime archaeology for complete beginners. No prior experience is required. You’ll explore how archaeologists investigate and protect our coastal and underwater heritage, and gain the theoretical knowledge needed to begin your journey toward the NAS Foundation Qualification. Work through 7 structured modules at your own pace (4–5 hours total)Course fee: £55 (NAS membership not included)To gain the NAS Foundation Qualification, you must also complete the Discover Maritime Archaeology online course and practical Skills Days. Want better value?Register for the combined course to receive: One year’s NAS membership,  A £20 discount on your next NAS Education event.Save up to £48 and unlock more learning opportunities! Course development has been supported by a grant from Historic England  

Discover what maritime archaeology is really about—it’s not just shipwrecks, and it’s not all underwater! This course, Discover Underwater Archaeology, MUST ONLY BE COMPLETED AFTER THE Discover Maritime Archaeology course. This engaging, interactive online theory course is the perfect introduction to maritime archaeology for complete beginners. No prior experience is required. You’ll explore how archaeologists investigate and protect our coastal and underwater heritage, and gain the theoretical knowledge needed to begin your journey toward the NAS Foundation Qualification. Work through 7 structured modules at your own pace (4–5 hours total)Course fee: £55 (NAS membership not included)To gain the NAS Foundation Qualification, you must also complete the Discover Maritime Archaeology online course and practical Skills Days. Want better value?Register for the combined course to receive: One year’s NAS membership,  A £20 discount on your next NAS Education event.Save up to £48 and unlock more learning opportunities! Course development has been supported by a grant from Historic England        

Discover what maritime archaeology is really about—it’s not just shipwrecks, and it’s not all underwater! This engaging, interactive online theory course is the perfect introduction to maritime archaeology for complete beginners. No prior experience is required. You’ll explore how archaeologists investigate and protect our coastal and underwater heritage, and gain the theoretical knowledge needed to begin your journey toward the NAS Foundation Qualification. Work through 6 structured modules at your own pace (4–5 hours total)Course fee: £55 (NAS membership not included)To gain the NAS Foundation Qualification, you must also complete the Discover Coastal or Underwater Archaeology online courses and practical Skills Days. Want better value?Register for the combined course to receive: One year’s NAS membership,  A £20 discount on your next NAS Education event.Save up to £48 and unlock more learning opportunities! Course development has been supported by a grant from Historic England

    £55 course fee NEW SCREEN-READER ACCESSIBLE VERSION - for the visually impaired. This course, which follows on from the Discover Maritime Archaeology course, will take you through the steps of completing a coastal or foreshore archaeology project from documentary research and planning, through fieldwork and conservation to publication and archiving.   This theory course and accompanying practical Surveyor Skills Days is the second of the two components of the NAS Foundation qualification, which will allow you to participate in our fieldwork in the UK and overseas.   The course fee does NOT include one year's NAS membership. Register for a combined course to receive one year's NAS membership for new members worth £28 and a £20 discount off your next NAS Education event. Registering on the combined course gives you a saving of up to £48. At the end of the course if you have not done so already, you should purchase a qualification logbook from the NAS website shop to keep track of all your learning.   Course development has been supported by a grant from Historic England  

      £55 course fee NEW SCREEN-READER ACCESSIBLE VERSION - for the visually impaired. This course, which follows on from the Discover Maritime Archaeology course, will take you through the steps of completing an underwater archaeology project from documentary research and planning, through fieldwork and conservation to publication and archiving.   This theory course and accompanying practical Surveyor Skills Days is the second of the two components of the NAS Foundation qualification, which will allow you to participate in our fieldwork in the UK and overseas.   The course fee does NOT include one year's NAS membership. Register for a combined course to receive one year's NAS membership for new members worth £28 and a £20 discount off your next NAS Education event. Registering on the combined course gives you a saving of up to £48. At the end of the course if you have not done so already, you should purchase a qualification logbook from the NAS website shop to keep track of all your learning.   Course development has been supported by a grant from Historic England    

      £55 course fee NEW SCREEN-READER ACCESSIBLE VERSION for the visually impaired - Find out what maritime archaeology is all about in the interactive theory course. It is not just about shipwrecks, and it is certainly not all underwater! No prior knowledge required.    Please note the course fee does NOT include one year's NAS membership. Register for a combined course to receive one year's NAS membership for new members worth £28 and a £20 discount off your next NAS Education event. Registering on the combined course gives you a saving of up to £48. This theory course and accompanying practical Recorder Skills Day is the first of the two components of the NAS Foundation qualification, which will allow you to participate in our fieldwork in the UK and overseas. At the end of the course if you are enthusiastic to learn more, you should purchase a qualification logbook from the NAS website shop to keep track of all your learning.   Course development has been supported by a grant from Historic England      

This is the programme information and curriculum for organisations running NAS training outside of the UK. To become a NAS Training Partner, contact education@nauticalarchaeologysociety.org