RPM Nautical Foundation
Encyclopedia
RPM Nautical Foundation is a non-profit archaeological research organization dedicated to the advancement of maritime archaeology
that includes littoral surveys and excavation of individual shipwreck
and harbor
sites.
RPM Nautical Foundation (RPMNF) is organized to operate exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes, all within the meaning of sections 170(c) (2) and 501 (c) (3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
The operating purpose of the company is to engage in the detection, identification, study and preservation of nautical archaeological and historic sites for scientific research, public education and the advancement of technology. The organization also provides fieldwork and training experience in the field to students as well as the personnel and staff of various government, cultural and educational institutions.
Over the past several years, RPM Nautical Foundation has moved into the forefront of archaeological survey and deep-water investigation through intensive and systematic use of advanced technologies. Multibeam echosounder systems employed on the RPMNF research vessel R/V Hercules allows advanced seafloor mapping capabilities for archaeological purposes. Through the three-dimensional modeling process of multibeam echosounder data, RPMNF has developed the capabilities for identification of submerged cultural material sites. Potential sites identified from the process of remote sensing data are verified and documented with ROV and diver investigation. A multibeam head fixed upon the ROV also provides an effective method for intensive ground truthing of site areas. The ROV is also employed for the excavation of deep-water sites; an excavation methodological process that RPMNF is helping to advance within the field of maritime archaeology
.
RPMNF’s remote sensing and verification methodology has proved successful in the identification, mapping, and recording of shipwreck sites and harbor works from the ancient through modern eras in project conducted to date in Spain, Malta, Morocco, Cyprus, Sicily, Amalfi and Calabria (Italy), and Turkey. All archaeological work is performed in conjunction with the host country’s cultural authority and assists in both scholarly research and educational projects. As with all ventures, the standing policy with RPM is that all artifacts are under the jurisdiction of the host government at all times. The location and assessment data of wreck sites has proved beneficial to the many governments with which we have worked as it provides their cultural authorities pertinent information for protecting their archaeological resources. Bathymetric data is also made available to host country hydrographic departments in order to supplement their oceanographic mapping programs.
RPMNF research vessel R/V Hercules is Maltese flagged and based in Valletta, Malta during the winter months. This research vessel can be deployed throughout the Mediterranean on a project basis.
RPMNF’s remote sensing and verification methodology has proved successful in the identification, mapping, and recording of shipwreck sites and harbor works from the ancient through modern eras in project conducted to date in Albania, Montenegro, Spain, Malta, Morocco, Cyprus, Sicily, Amalfi and Calabria (Italy), and Turkey. Bathymetric data is also made available to host country hydrographic departments in order to supplement their oceanographic mapping programs.
RPM Nautical Foundation operates the research vessel R/V Hercules based in Valletta, Malta, the location of their operational headquarter. The R/V Hercules is deployed throughout the Mediterranean on a per project basis. The advanced research vessel carries an array of remote sensing and verification equipment, and conducts archaeological survey through intensive and systematic use of multibeam echosounder technology. The multibeam echosounder system provides the most advanced seafloor mapping capabilities for archaeological purposes in the field and utilizes three-dimensional analysis for the detection of cultural sites.
.
Maritime archaeology
Maritime archaeology is a discipline within archaeology as a whole that specifically studies human interaction with the sea, lakes and rivers through the study of associated physical remains, be they vessels, shore side facilities, port-related structures, cargoes, human remains and submerged...
that includes littoral surveys and excavation of individual shipwreck
Shipwreck
A shipwreck is what remains of a ship that has wrecked, either sunk or beached. Whatever the cause, a sunken ship or a wrecked ship is a physical example of the event: this explains why the two concepts are often overlapping in English....
and harbor
Harbor
A harbor or harbour , or haven, is a place where ships, boats, and barges can seek shelter from stormy weather, or else are stored for future use. Harbors can be natural or artificial...
sites.
RPM Nautical Foundation (RPMNF) is organized to operate exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes, all within the meaning of sections 170(c) (2) and 501 (c) (3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
The operating purpose of the company is to engage in the detection, identification, study and preservation of nautical archaeological and historic sites for scientific research, public education and the advancement of technology. The organization also provides fieldwork and training experience in the field to students as well as the personnel and staff of various government, cultural and educational institutions.
Over the past several years, RPM Nautical Foundation has moved into the forefront of archaeological survey and deep-water investigation through intensive and systematic use of advanced technologies. Multibeam echosounder systems employed on the RPMNF research vessel R/V Hercules allows advanced seafloor mapping capabilities for archaeological purposes. Through the three-dimensional modeling process of multibeam echosounder data, RPMNF has developed the capabilities for identification of submerged cultural material sites. Potential sites identified from the process of remote sensing data are verified and documented with ROV and diver investigation. A multibeam head fixed upon the ROV also provides an effective method for intensive ground truthing of site areas. The ROV is also employed for the excavation of deep-water sites; an excavation methodological process that RPMNF is helping to advance within the field of maritime archaeology
Maritime archaeology
Maritime archaeology is a discipline within archaeology as a whole that specifically studies human interaction with the sea, lakes and rivers through the study of associated physical remains, be they vessels, shore side facilities, port-related structures, cargoes, human remains and submerged...
.
RPMNF’s remote sensing and verification methodology has proved successful in the identification, mapping, and recording of shipwreck sites and harbor works from the ancient through modern eras in project conducted to date in Spain, Malta, Morocco, Cyprus, Sicily, Amalfi and Calabria (Italy), and Turkey. All archaeological work is performed in conjunction with the host country’s cultural authority and assists in both scholarly research and educational projects. As with all ventures, the standing policy with RPM is that all artifacts are under the jurisdiction of the host government at all times. The location and assessment data of wreck sites has proved beneficial to the many governments with which we have worked as it provides their cultural authorities pertinent information for protecting their archaeological resources. Bathymetric data is also made available to host country hydrographic departments in order to supplement their oceanographic mapping programs.
RPMNF research vessel R/V Hercules is Maltese flagged and based in Valletta, Malta during the winter months. This research vessel can be deployed throughout the Mediterranean on a project basis.
History
The foundation was established in 2001 by its President, George Robb, who was and continues to serve as a Director for the Institute of Nautical Archaeology. As part of RPMNF's initial foundation, it was establishes as a supporting institute for the Institute of Nautical Archaeology Early field work centered in Florida and select supporting projects in the Mediterranean. In 2003, Dr. Jeff Royal became Archaeological Director and over time RPMNF's focus has centered on the Mediterranean world. At the end of 2010, RPMNF entered into an agreement and is a supporting institute for the Program in Maritime Studies at East Carolina University. RPMNF continues to grow its associations with Universities, individual scholars, students, and new countries around the Mediterranean.Institutional Partners
- Albanian Institute of Archaeology
- Croatian Ministry of Culture
- East Carolina University Maritime Studies
- Institute of Nautical Archaeology
- Malta Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- Montenegro Ministry of Culture
- Moroccan Ministry of Culture
- Superintendent of Archaeology, Calabria
- Superintendent of Underwater Archaeology, Sicily
- Tunisian Ministry of Culture
Project History
RPM Nautical Foundation has engaged in maritime archaeological projects throughout the Mediterranean. These projects have included many littoral surveys as well as specific operations associated with cooperative scholarly projects or the management of submerged cultural resources in various countries. Projects are also conducted in a multi-disciplinary manner, such that researchers in the geological, biological, etc. fields join in project planning and use of data.International
RPMNF performs projects in conjunction with leading research institutes and universities throughout the Mediterranean. RPMNF policy stipulates that all artifacts are under the jurisdiction of the host government at all times. The location and assessment of wrecksites, as well as site and artifact analysis is beneficial to the many governments that RPMNF works with, as it provides cultural authorities pertinent information for protecting archaeological resources. All research by the foundation is published in leading scholarly journals and summarized on their website (RPM Website[1]).RPMNF’s remote sensing and verification methodology has proved successful in the identification, mapping, and recording of shipwreck sites and harbor works from the ancient through modern eras in project conducted to date in Albania, Montenegro, Spain, Malta, Morocco, Cyprus, Sicily, Amalfi and Calabria (Italy), and Turkey. Bathymetric data is also made available to host country hydrographic departments in order to supplement their oceanographic mapping programs.
RPM Nautical Foundation operates the research vessel R/V Hercules based in Valletta, Malta, the location of their operational headquarter. The R/V Hercules is deployed throughout the Mediterranean on a per project basis. The advanced research vessel carries an array of remote sensing and verification equipment, and conducts archaeological survey through intensive and systematic use of multibeam echosounder technology. The multibeam echosounder system provides the most advanced seafloor mapping capabilities for archaeological purposes in the field and utilizes three-dimensional analysis for the detection of cultural sites.
Reference Articles and Reports
RPMNF Project reports are filed with the appropriate government agency in each country. Scholarly articles from RPMNF field work are published by Dr. Royal and other scholars..
See also
- Archaeology of shipwrecksArchaeology of shipwrecksThe archaeology of shipwrecks is the field of archaeology specialised in the study and exploration of shipwrecks. Its techniques combine those of archaeology with those of diving....
- Maritime archaeologyMaritime archaeologyMaritime archaeology is a discipline within archaeology as a whole that specifically studies human interaction with the sea, lakes and rivers through the study of associated physical remains, be they vessels, shore side facilities, port-related structures, cargoes, human remains and submerged...
- Underwater archaeologyUnderwater archaeologyUnderwater archaeology is archaeology practised underwater. As with all other branches of archaeology it evolved from its roots in pre-history and in the classical era to include sites from the historical and industrial eras...
- Nautical Archaeology SocietyNautical Archaeology SocietyThe Nautical Archaeology Society is a charity registered in England and Wales and in Scotland and is a company limited by guarantee.The charitable aims and object of the company are to further research in Nautical Archaeology and publish the results of such research and to advance education and...
- Sea Research Society (Shipwrecks & Underwater Archaeology)Sea Research SocietyThe Sea Research Society is a non-profit educational research organization founded in 1972. Its general purpose is to promote scientific and educational endeavors in any of the marine sciences or marine histories with the goal of obtaining knowledge for the ultimate benefit to mankind...
- SonarSonarSonar is a technique that uses sound propagation to navigate, communicate with or detect other vessels...
- Multibeam echosounder
- Underwater acousticsUnderwater acousticsUnderwater acoustics is the study of the propagation of sound in water and the interaction of the mechanical waves that constitute sound with the water and its boundaries. The water may be in the ocean, a lake or a tank. Typical frequencies associated with underwater acoustics are between 10 Hz and...
- Underwater Archaeology CentreUnderwater Archaeology CentreThe Underwater Archaeology Centre is a museum located in Fort Victoria on the Isle of Wight, England.The museum is run by the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology and is housed in five of the fort's former casemates. Since it was opened in 1990 the museum has been used to display...
- Underwater search and recoveryUnderwater search and recoveryUnderwater search and recovery is the process of locating and recovering underwater objects by divers. Although most underwater search and recovery is done by commercial divers as part of professional marine salvage operations, search and recovery diving is also frequently undertaken as part of...
- UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural HeritageUNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural HeritageThe UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, adopted by the UNESCO General Conference on 2 November 2001 is an international treaty aimed at saving the underwater cultural heritage....