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Learn
Underwater Archaeology Skills This Summer!
For
the past several years, the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage
Society has pioneered in teaching archaeological dive
seminars designed to interest divers in underwater
archaeology and teach responsible behavior on shipwreck
sites.
The
1997 archaeological dive workshops, which will take
place in the waters off Key West, are:
ORIENTATION TO
UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY
This PADI-certified course offers divers a rare opportunity
to learn accepted archaeological skills from
professional archaeological divers. Participants spend
five hands-on days developing survey techniques on an
1800s shipwreck and learning methods of conservation and
artifact identification in the Mel Fisher Maritime
Heritage Society laboratories. Lectures—many by people
involved in the recovery of the Atocha—will
focus on data collection techniques, maritime history,
charting skills and artifact conservation.
The 1997 class is scheduled for May 25-30. The $550 tuition
includes the use of tanks and weight belts, and
participants must be advanced open-water certified
divers.
UNDERWATER
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES
In this week-long PADI-certified course, participants can add
to the archaeological skills they learned in Orientation
to Underwater Archaeology. Experienced divers will
explore underwater drawing, survey, excavation,
photography and detection techniques on the 1700s
English slave shipwreck Henrietta
Marie. Divers
will spend five days and four nights at sea working on
the wreck, collecting data and expanding on the
knowledge already gathered on this active archaeological
site.
For 1997 class dates and prices, please call the Mel Fisher
Maritime Heritage Society at the number below.
Participation is limited to divers who have completed
Orientation to Underwater Archaeology; anyone who signs
up for both classes will receive a $100 discount.
THE UNDERWATER BOAT
SHOW
The
Underwater Boat Show is a two-day, one-night
archaeological diving tour of a variety of Caribbean
shipwrecks. Divers will explore wrecks from the 17th
century to the early 20th century—including the 1622
galleons—learning how to compare ship design and
structure.
“Boat
Show” participants will stay overnight at Dry Tortugas
National Park and enjoy a breathtaking night dive on the
site of the famous clipper ship known as “The French
Wreck.” The course is scheduled for June 1-2, 1997,
and is limited to advanced open-water certified divers.
The course fee of $550 includes two days and one night
on board ship with meals, use of tanks and weight belts,
and instructional materials. Divers who also complete
the 1997 Orientation to Underwater Archaeology course
receive a $50 discount on the Underwater Boat Show.
Because
of the high level of personalized instruction offered
during all three workshops, space is limited and early
registration is suggested. Divers who register before
April 1, 1997, will receive a 10% discount on all
courses. For more information about these fascinating
dive opportunities, please call K.T. Budde-Jones at the
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society (305-294-2633, ext.
21 or 20).
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