Nautical Archaeology Society

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Nautical Archaeology Society

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A UK-based non-government organisation dedicated to nautical and maritime archaeology

The NAS was formed to further interest in our underwater cultural heritage. They are a registered charity based in the United Kingdom, but with strong links to like-minded organisations around the world.

02/11/2026

We have been asked if we could share this survey with our members and followers.

The research is being undertaken by an undergraduate research assistant in the University of Kansas: Department of Anthropology who is conducting a study to understand how the language used in museum displays of human remains impacts public attitudes. The goal is to help inform more respectful and culturally sensitive exhibition practices in the future.

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, is anonymous, and has been approved by KU IRB .

Survey link: https://kusurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d58H9URiMBhOjXw

02/11/2026

Do you fancy visiting the protected wreck of the A3 submarine next year as part of our Protected Wreck Day series ?

HMS A3 was an A-class submarine built for the Royal Navy in the first decade of the 20th century. She sank in 1912. The wreck is a Protected Wreck managed by Historic England.

Depth 38m. Hard-boat diving out of Weymouth/Portland.

Express your interest in joining us by emailing us at [email protected]

Photos from dive in October 2026. Courtesy of and copyright to Tim Davey.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_A3

02/11/2026

Congratulations and thank you to the amazing Dr Suzanne Marie Taylor who gave her "Still Life Movy" one woman show at the Royal Garrison Church in Portsmouth on Saturday night.

Thanks to all that attended including the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, and to everyone who donated to support the work of NAS and our hosts English Heritage.

"Still Life Movy" brings the story of ML286 – a WWI motor launch and submarine chaser – vividly to life through storytelling, poetry, song and the voices of the people who served aboard her.

From wartime patrols and naval life to courage, loss and remembrance, "Still Life Movy” uncovers the human stories buried within a forgotten wreck – including the poignant story of war artist Lieutenant Geoffrey Stephen Allfree.

Part theatre, part history, part archaeology, this is a powerful and atmospheric performance that invites us to look beyond the artefacts and meet the people behind them.

02/11/2026

On this day, 25 years ago, the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage was brought into action. This was, and still is, the most powerful international agreement to protect our precious and threatened physical evidence of past societies, shipwrecks, submerged landscapes and war tragedies.
Thank you to all the people that contributed to the long journey of getting it adopted a quarter of a century ago.
As an Accredited NGO, we honour the principles of the 2001 Convention. We support the work of the 81 countries that have ratified and those that are working towards ratification.
UNESCO

02/11/2026

Lovely profile piece on our organisation highlighting some of the citizen science projects we are doing at the moment.
https://the-past.com/shorts/groups/nautical-archaeology-society/

MaritimEA Research Nautical Archaeology Sub-Aqua Club

Sea levels have risen by around 120m (400ft) since the last Ice Age, only stabilising at their current position around 3,000 years ago. Given how much human activity has taken…

30/10/2026

You can get your copy from our shop.

https://nauticalarchaeologysociety.org/index.php/shop/books/the-wreck-of-the-london

The Wreck of the London
Archaeological Investigations of a 17th-century Warship

Edited by Michael Walsh
Cotswold Archaeology Monograph 20

H 297 x W 210 mm
290 pages / 1.6kg
Published Apr 2026 by Cotswold Archaeology
ISBN Hardback: 9781999822286

Southend Pier & Railway
Southend Museums
Historic England
Dive Master Insurance
DP World

Exciting news - the Monograph publication of the London Shipwreck is now out.

THE WRECK OF THE LONDON: Archaeological Investigations of a 17th century Warship

It is available online for free as a pdf download and a hardback can be purchased from the Nautical Archaeology Society for £35.00 plus postage.

Congratulations to all involved, especially The London Shipwreck Project, Steven Ellis, Cotswold Archaeology and materials specialists at Historic England

Buy it here: https://nauticalarchaeologysociety.org/index.php/shop/books/the-wreck-of-the-london

Download it here: https://cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk/publications/the-wreck-of-the-london/

30/10/2026

Some potentially good news about polluting wrecks!

More than 80 years ago, the world was exploding – literally and figuratively – during World War II.

30/10/2026

Last few 'pay-what-you-feel' tickets available for this show happening tomorrow!
Saturday 31st October 6-7:30pm
It will be a truly unique historical experience!

The show will take place at the Royal Garrison Church

23/10/2026

NAS CONFERENCE UPDATE
This year we are partnering with the Early Watercraft Association for their Congress in Derry, Northern Ireland.
6-8 November 2026
30 presentations with delegates from 20 countries - don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn about and discuss our earliest watercraft and the ground breaking current research.
Tickets for in-person and online attendance available on the link below
https://earlywatercraft.com/ewa-2-congress/

Address

Fort Cumberland, Fort Cumberland Road
Portsmouth
PO49LD

Telephone

+442392818419

Website

http://www.nauticalarchaeologysociety.org/

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