What is NAS training?

For the next available training dates, see the bottom of the page.
(This training is given only once a year.)

The international NAS training program has been providing nautical archeology training for over 25 years. The program aims to provide not only an introduction to the subject, but also to offer people a chance to develop their skills and experience, enabling them to participate in projects and fieldwork across the world and possibly to carry out their own projects.

The training program has a modular structure, starting with a one-day introductory training and progressing through the NAS I, NAS II and NAS III certificates and finally the certification of the NAS IV part. The program is open to everyone and the introductory course does not require any prior qualifications and the program is designed to allow you to get involved as per your interest with trainings in a wide range of subjects and fields of nautical archeology. , there is something for Everyone!

NAS is a globally recognized certification course with a certificate passport

Available to all divers.

About the course

Crédit photo: Parcs Canada

Cette paire d’épaulettes ont été retrouvées dans leur boîte, dans la cabine présumée du troisième lieutenant, sur le pont inférieur.

The NAS Part 1 training is open to 10 to 24 participants. The schedule can be personalized, but includes classroom sessions on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. On Saturday afternoon, we create a “shipwreck” on dry land for the students to study, on Saturday evening we take our “shipwreck” to the bottom of a confined water pool. On Sunday, students will dive at a local site to test their skills on a real shipwreck.

The NAS training program was first developed by the Nautical Archeology Society to train divers working on the archaeological record of the Mary Rose, the flagship of King Henry VIII. Today, the aim of the programs is to develop an understanding of underwater archeology and to teach people the practical skills they need to work at an underwater archeology site. You don't need any previous training or experience - and you don't need to be a diver to take the course. Non-divers can participate in work out of the water for their team.

NAS training focuses on surveys of underwater sites. The objectives of NAS I are:

1. Introduce the basic concepts of underwater archeology;
2. Introduce underwater mapping and recording techniques;
3. Provide a hands-on opportunity to develop mapping and recording skills with supervision.

The Nautical Archeology Society is dedicated to developing an interest in our underwater cultural heritage and advancing education in nautical archeology. It aims to preserve our underwater archaeological heritage by involving everyone - divers and non-divers, scientists, historians and anyone interested.

Introduction and level 1 of the NAS (typical program)

Photo credit: NOAA ONMS

A 2013 NOAA Sanctuaries/University of Hawaii field project documented in detail three WWII amphibious assault vehicle sites near Maui. All three AMTRACKS were likely lost during training exercises immediately prior to the invasion of Saipan, June-July 1944

EPSO has established the program below based on the instructor's recommendations. The schedule may vary, but since this training takes an entire weekend, it is difficult to postpone or spread this training over two weeks for logistical reasons.

It is important to note that the fees related to this training are used only for the preparation and teaching of this training. No profit is generated by the latter.

• Friday evening - Wooden shipbuilding, site artefacts
• Saturday morning - Archaeological principles, research on artefacts
• Saturday afternoon - Site mapping, site history
• Saturday evening - Underwater mapping (or site mapping, site history)
• Sunday All Day - Open Water Scuba Diving Mapping

Included in the training:

• NAS I training
• SOS Token (If you already have it, a donation will be given to the organization - We do not modify the price)
• Lunch (Saturday and Sunday noon - Hot burger and dog will be served - You must notify us if you have a special diet or allergies)

Not included

• Air fills (will be available on site for $ 15/cylinder - No air card accepted)
• Motel / hotel room (see contact list below)
• Lunches (There are restaurants nearby)
• Dinner (There are restaurants nearby)

For divers interested in making the experience more immersive, you can plan a full weekend in the Brockville and surrounding areas so that you don't have to travel during training.

List of Hotels/Motels:

• Dewar’s Inn on the River (Prescott)
• Zens Inn (Prescott)
• Super 8 (Brockville)
• Airbnb