7376 Marine survey training course for archaeologists

Tender description

In January 2015 a marine geotechnical training pilot course, commissioned by Historic England (project ref: NHPP 6205) was held at the National Oceanographic Centre (University of Southampton). This pilot course was designed to test the content of a marine survey training course to improve knowledge and understanding among curatorial bodies (national and local). The objective was to provide training with a practical component, so participants could gain direct experience of handling geotechnical material obtained offshore and thereby have more confidence in the critical assessment presented by consultants from geotechnical and environmental sampling survey programmes. The course also provided a classroom review of geo-archaeological methodologies that frequently are employed in support of numerous coastal and marine development projects . The feedback from the course participants and analysis from the online survey conducted to inform the scope of the pilot course confirmed that knowledge and understanding of the techniques and methodologies, of a multidisciplinary approach, should be more widely understood within the historic environment sector. It was therefore recognised that national and local curators, and those working in the wider archaeological and heritage (and environmental) sector, should have an opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and practical experience in marine survey analysis methodologies; this knowledge will enable staff to provide informed comment and advice about the potential impact of coastal and seabed infrastructure projects on the historic environment. This project will build on the January 2015 pilot course and deliver training that will develop skills in geophysical and geotechnical techniques with a supporting toolkit of learning materials for heritage practitioners in curatorial, commercial, and investigation and research roles. It will be aimed at improving knowledge and understanding in how geophysical data and geotechnical material can be used to support marine archaeological and palaeo-landscape analysis. The training course will also comply with HE External Training Strategy 2015-18 and the Historic England Action Plan 2015-18 capturing a priority audience such as detailed by: • Corporate Plan Objective 3.2 – promote constructive conservation with those who have broader objectives such as local authority members and senior officers and developers; • Corporate Plan Objective 4.3 – work with others to assess and deliver the heritage skills required by local authorities, owners and others and thereby implement Historic England’s Training Delivery Strategy for owners and their agents/experts in support of Heritage 2020; and • Heritage 2020 Capacity Building – a more integrated and focused approach to training and continuing development of heritage professionals.