Field School/Volunteer Project Overview:

This is a unique opportunity to join ADMAT’s maritime archaeological project in the historic town of Monte Cristi on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. ADMAT is working with Oficina Nacional de Patrimonio Cultural Subacuático (ONPCS) and with the support of Medio Ambiente to conduct a maritime archaeological survey to find a new shipwreck which is located in Monte Cristi Bay. Very little is known about the ship so join the team to be at the beginning of a multi year project

A RECCE was undertaken by ADMAT in 2006 and a new wreck site was thought to be in this survey area. The object of this project it to locate this wreck and survey it. We believe the wreck is located in 8-10 meters between the Island of Cabrita and the beautiful coral reef chain of the Severn Brother Islands in Monte Cristi Bay. The current initial hypothesis being that the ship might be one of the seven merchant ships which were sunk by a visiting French frigate in the mid 1700s. The French Captain thought France was at war with England and spotting seven merchant ships in the bay proceeded to attack and sink all of them. Once this was achieved he landed and reported to the French Prefect (local Governor) in Monte Cristi, only to be instantly arrested as England was at peace with France...

Applications are invited from divers, students, archaeologists and volunteers (minimum age 18) wishing to participate in the project. Only six places per week are available, so this is a unique opportunity to have maximum hands on training.

The Team will be working on the wreck site in the mornings and working on the artefacts from The Tile Wreck in the afternoons and evenings. All training will be given for surveying and artefact handling. ADMAT's unique Underwater Survey Diver Course will be given and PADI members will receive the PADI speciality certification. 

For information look through the web pages below. For dates and availability please contact Dr. Spooner on: maritime_archaeology@yahoo.co.uk

Field School Objectives& Methodology:   

The objectives for the 2016 season, are to survey a square mile in the bay to locate, the remains of the ships hull. The Team will also work in the lab recording the artefacts already recovered using the specially designed databases. For the diving team, their time will be split between diving days and recording days on an equal basis.

During the diving days, the team will measure and record the remaining artefacts and archaeological training will be given on survey equipment and various relevant archaeological lectures will also be run, weather and time permitting.

This is a very active field school, with as much diving as we can do. All team members will be expected to muck in and take active part in all tasks. This is not a beach holiday.