Maritime Archaeology Field School - AR2402/3402
Dive shipwrecks on the Great Barrier Reef
Discover a piece of Australia’s maritime history in one of the world’s most spectacular locations – the Great Barrier Reef.
The Maritime Archaeology Field School is an accredited archaeology subject offered by the Department of Anthropology, Archaeology and Sociology at JCU. It provides and introduction to the techniques of underwater survey, position fixing, mapping, photography (including video), detailed recording and conservation. This intensive course is delivered through fieldwork and culminates with a diving opportunity on the famous Great Barrier Reef.
To enroll you will need to hold appropriate diving certification and satisfy the competency requirements of the University Diving Officer.
Dive courses are available through private operators in Cairns and Townsville.
Details
The next Maritime Archaeology Field School is scheduled for 2009 (subject to adequate enrollments in subject). The details below relate to prior field schools and are provided as a guide only.
These are the preliminary details for the above course.Please read all of the details closely, since there are several pre-course requirements and payments.
Because this is a field-based course which requires us to book (and pay for) vehicles, boats and equipment in advance, it is essential that you if you are already enrolled, you confirm your interest or that you wish to withdraw, as soon as possible.
Academic Prerequisites
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Any JCU student with 12 points of first year subjects can enrol in AR2402/AR3402. The course is designed to allow non-archaeologists to participate.
Diving Prerequisites
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Open Water dive certification - with 15 hours of dive time (logged). This will be sighted by the JCU Dive office at the Dive Register Test (see below).
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Listing on the JCU Dive Register – (this is a JCU requirement and separate to the course, but there is no cost involved). A special session for this class will be held either in the several days before the field school – details to be advised.
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Current Diving Medical Certificate which states they are 'Fit to Dive' from an approved medical practitioner and in accordance with AS 2299 Occupational Diving Standards
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For further information about the Diving Register please see the Diving Register Information site.
Costs & Requirements
Please note, the course has an additional fee (above the usual HECS tuition fee) to cover the field expenses.
VERY IMPORTANT
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Because we have to pre-pay for transport and equipment, these payments cannot be refunded for other than serious medical reasons. This field expenses fee is separate to and regardless of the date of the HECS withdrawal date (which relates to the main tuition fee).
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Although people tend to be shocked at the idea of paying money, this course is excellent value, since it also covers:
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Transport
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Dive Equipment hire – inclusive of BC, regulator, weight belt, tank and all refills, but not personal dive gear (see below).
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Accommodation
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Food.
Other details to be aware of:
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‘Personal’ dive gear - For the 4 days of diving you will need to have bought or hired your own mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit. As you are probably aware, having your own weight belt is also a bonus (it saves having to constantly readjust borrowed belts).
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Pre-course readings - You may be required to have read several articles prior to the commencement of the course – if necessary these will be made available on the JCU website.
