Divers and maritime history enthusiasts in Ontario will have an opportunity to develop their underwater archaeology skills when the Ontario Marine Heritage Committee hosts a one-day training course in Welland on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
Hosted in partnership with the Niagara Chapter of Save Ontario Shipwrecks, the course will introduce participants to the techniques used to research, survey and document underwater archaeological sites.
The programme will cover provincial marine archaeology licensing requirements, historical research using archives and online sources, underwater survey methods and equipment, and practical techniques including establishing survey grids, measuring baselines and offsets, recording observations and preparing site reports.
A practical dry-land session will give participants an introduction to archaeological surveying methods without requiring an underwater dive.
The course takes place at 300 Prince Charles Drive South, Welland, Ontario, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration costs $85 CAD for Save Ontario Shipwrecks members and $100 CAD for non-members, with lunch, refreshments, course materials and a USB stick included. Places are limited to 30 participants.
Attendees are asked to bring a mask, snorkel, wetsuit gloves, water bottle and notebook where available.
The event provides an opportunity for recreational divers and heritage enthusiasts to better understand the methods used to document and help preserve Ontario’s underwater cultural heritage.
Further information about marine heritage activities is available from the Ontario Marine Heritage Committee and Save Ontario Shipwrecks Niagara.
To enquire about registration, email niagara@saveontarioshipwrecks.ca.