Training Recreational and Professional divers,
Archaeological and associated Scientific Students in
Underwater Archaeology and it's Diving Methodology.




The Archaeological Divers Association is a Member of the Scientific Diving Supervisory Committee

We specialise in this unique investigation that occurs underwater and ADA training leads to qualifications that are recognised worldwide. Whether training for professional status, or a recreational diver interested in the underwater cultural heritage of our seas, the ADA invites all divers to participate in our project work.

Training is second to none, incorporating the standards of the Scientific Diving Supervisory Committee's competency guidelines and includes professional training standards from IANTD (UK), with individuals training towards both industry led vocational qualifications and the best possible technical diving qualifications available to any diver.

The Archaeological Divers Association is:

A Professional Body:

  • Representing all personnel and associates allied to this unique sub-discipline of archaeology, whatever their professional branch of science.

An Operational Body:

  • Staff and Members deliver professional archaeological sciences in a diverse range of settings.

A Training Body:

  • Delivering courses allied to the National Occupation Competency Standards.
  • Designing and developing courses in Underwater Archaeology to facilitate the safe retrieval and collection of archaeological survey data.

An Advisory Body:

  • Providing advice and guidance to Members and other professional and recreational bodies on issues relating to Underwater Archaeological Sciences.


The ADA complies with all current best practices and subscribes to the Institute of Archaeologists, IfA, Code of Conduct for all of it's Archaeological Field Work and Archaeological Diver Training.  ADA consists of professional archaeological and scientific practitioners that are dedicated to the safe recording, survey, and if necessary, excavation of archaeological artefacts.

The Philosophy of the ADA is to provide the most up to date training and safe diving procedures within the realms of archaeological, scientific and forensic diving.  The ADA draws upon the professional experiences of qualified staff in the field of diving, thus the combined efforts of all Directors, Staff and Members ensures success in achieving an International Standard.

The ADA is an International body, with worldwide membership.  It provides training materials; standards in underwater archaeological, scientific and forensic diver training; awards, qualifications and helps in accreditation and standards in underwater and archaeological practice in co-operation with governing bodies such as the SDSC, IfA and UNESCO.