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Since 2003, IANTD Expeditions has organized and carried out numerous underwater expeditions with cultural purposes of exploration, study, and research, on shipwrecks of significant historical value, including:

  • The battleship Szent Istvan (Saint Stephen) in the Adriatic

  • The ocean liner Wilhelm Gustloff in the Baltic Sea

  • The battleship Regina Margherita

  • The hospital ship Po

  • The troop transport ship Re Umberto

  • The destroyer Intrepido

  • The torpedo boat Andromeda in Albania

  • The submarine UC14 in the North Sea

  • The steamship Monrosa in the Aegean

  • The Royal submarine Scirè in Israel

Recently, they have collaborated with the CNR-IBE in Trento for the geopositioning, surveying, sampling, and dendrochronological analysis of tree species in the submerged forest of Lake Tovel (TN). For more details, visit https://www.iantdexpeditions.it

To pursue these objectives, the agency organizes courses called IANTD Expeditions Training, aimed at providing educational and training courses for divers who wish to acquire the basic knowledge needed to undertake an official exploration and study expedition of shipwrecks of high historical and cultural interest.

The theoretical training includes the following subjects:

  • Basics of underwater archaeology and history of navigation

  • Classification and structure of ships

  • Basics of archival science and documentary research

  • Surveying and measurement techniques

  • Nautical procedures

  • Decompression stations and safety measures

  • Protocol for underwater exploration expeditions

All lessons are delivered by highly qualified teachers and instructors.

The practical application during dives complements the theoretical training provided by the instructors, forming a comprehensive approach that can fully contribute to historical archaeology, particularly underwater and industrial archaeology.

In this context, the study of the Mohawk Deer wreck within the Portofino Marine Protected Area is an integral part of the courses and represents a unique opportunity to enhance diving within the Portofino MPA.

In fact, within the training program, there are elements that enhance the historical and cultural value of the underwater site of interest.

Additionally, the goal of performing measurements, surveys, and video-photographic coverage during dives, necessary for reconstructing the wreck, further supports the scientific aspect.

The video-photographic analysis of the hull structure and certain elements of particular interest belonging to the engine system, carried out in collaboration with external technical scientific consultants, represents a study of the basics of industrial archaeology.

To date, instructors and divers from IANTD’s educational agency, coming from all over Italy, have participated in this training activity and dives, with the possibility of later extending the training and activity to other clubs and associations.

The logistical organization of the dives is managed by the Diving Group Portofino, based in Rapallo (GE).

On December 1, 2021, with letter no. 0001931, the Management Consortium of the Portofino Marine Protected Area granted the IANTD diving educational agency its sponsorship for the study activity of the Mohawk Deer wreck.

For information on IANTD Expeditions Training courses, contact: cecilia@dgportofino.com

Phone: +39 333 8296633

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