SHIPS Underwater Explorer Course

This course aims to improve diver skills in underwater exploration and investigation of seabed features, shipwrecks and marine habitats. The skills are aimed at maritime archaeology fieldwork, but they also have use in marine science and seabed cleanup operations. The course is suitable for both avocational and professional divers qualified to BSAC Sports Diver and above.

The training is task-based with a focus on practical skills, so that participants can quickly become valuable members of a dive team. The course is taught in the classroom and includes dry practical sessions, but does not include any underwater training.

Participants will receive a copy of the SHIPS training manual, ‘Exploring Underwater, A Guide for SHIPS Divers’. This manual includes the information presented in the course, but also includes background information about each subject.

After completing the one-day Underwater Explorer training course you will:

Have an appreciation for maritime heritage in and around Plymouth Sound.
Understand the role of The SHIPS Project CIC.
Understand why we are recording Plymouth’s heritage.
Understand how to complete circular and radial searches underwater.
Understand how to record objects underwater.
Be able to undertake basic finds recording.
Have an introduction to locating shipwrecks.
Understand the fundamentals of shipwreck law.
Understand working underwater, task loading, and health and safety procedures.
Receive a certificate of attendance from The SHIPS Project.

Prerequisites:

BSAC Sports Diver qualification or above (see equivalent qualifications).

The SHIPS Project is a community enterprise that involves lots of enthusiastic volunteers working alongside the Project team. Training is an important part of the work that we do and the SHIPS Underwater Explorer course is the starting point for anyone working on our underwater projects.