Saudi Arabia is investing in maritime heritage management, and skilled underwater archaeologists with standardised methods are essential to carry out this work safely, ethically, and at speed. The brief was clear: deliver a two-week course that gives 15 trainees a strong theoretical foundation and practical competence using modern tools and international-standard protocols.
Working with the Heritage Commission and Prof. Khalil, KBD delivered a curriculum that moves from principles to practice:
Archaeological theory & legislation: maritime archaeology basics, ethics, and national/international frameworks (incl. UNESCO 2001).
Field methods & recording: search strategies, excavation techniques adapted for underwater work, grids and baselines, and detailed site drawings.
Conservation of finds: stabilisation approaches for wood, metal, ceramics, and organics; lifting and storage best practice.
Technology modules: underwater photogrammetry (students produced 3D site models), geophysical search & survey (side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profilers, multibeam), and ROV operations for inspection and survey. Diving and safety sessions ensured controlled research practice.
A focused, standards-aligned programme turned motivated trainees into seafloor-ready practitioners—producing usable data and a pipeline of talent for Saudi maritime heritage.
15 trainees completed a two-week course aligned with international practice (delivered with the Saudi Heritage Commission and Prof. Emad Khalil), establishing a first cohort for ongoing national work.
Digital outputs produced: participants created underwater photogrammetry models and structured records suitable for archives, research, and management.
Competencies gained: practical skills in survey and recording (grids, baselines, site drawings), excavation techniques adapted for underwater work, conservation handling for common material types, and ROV operations—all taught alongside safe diving practices.
Scalable pathway: the partnership model and curriculum provide a repeatable framework for future cohorts and regional projects in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf—accelerating heritage protection without compromising standards.
A national training pathway that turns interest into competence—equipping Saudi teams to survey, document, and safeguard underwater cultural heritage using recognised standards and modern tools.
Ethics, law, and protocols aligned with international practice.
Tools of the TradePhotogrammetry, geophysics, and ROV skills taught side-by-side with field methods.
Data That TravelsDigital models and structured records ready for archives, research, and management.
With a multidisciplinary team of over 150 professionals KBD combines local talent with global experts under one roof. Our mission is to drive transformative change and help achieve the nation’s Vision 2030 by providing strategic, science-backed solutions.
