LOCAL veterans have an opportunity to attend free underwater archeology training at American Memorial Park and the Saipan Lagoon on May 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the American Memorial Park theater.
The workshop will be conducted by Ships of Discovery, a non-profit organization dedicated to “terrestrial, maritime, and underwater cultural heritage management, archaeological research, and educational outreach,” its website states.
David Benavente, owner and operator of Tasi Research and Consulting, is a local partner of the non-profit.
“Any veteran who is interested can participate in the training,” Benavente said. “This is a free hands-on training opportunity.”
He said the workshop will consist of an introduction to underwater archaeology, underwater historical sites, conservation of historical sites, previous underwater archaeological work done in the CNMI, the current project that is underway, and the data scientists are looking to collect in the Saipan Lagoon, and more.
A week of “citizen science” data collection occurs after the workshop. It will take participants to underwater shipwrecks and aircraft.
Benavente said scuba tanks and survey materials will be provided at no cost to participants. However, if participants are not scuba-certified, there is a portion of the hands-on workshop that is accessible via snorkeling.
“No science background is necessary,” he said.
Questions can be directed to Benavente at lacapabenavente@gmail.com or to Jennifer McKinnon at mckinnonje@ecu.edu. To register, email Benavente or McKinnon.
