The Battle of the Atlantic Research and Expedition Group (BAREG) is an International Training Partner of the Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS). BAREG follows the NAS revised UK education system, which combines online learning with in-person instruction from a professional underwater archaeologist. BAREG uses the NAS Education Programme to train its members to support archaeological work and assist the State of Maryland, US Navy, and St. Mary’s County in maintaining and monitoring the U-1105 Shipwreck Preserve.
BAREG offers Recorder and Surveyor Skills Days at least once per calendar year. These Skills Days are the in-water part of the NAS Foundation in Maritime Archaeology.
How the Training Works
Part 1: Online Coursework
Complete the Combined Discover Maritime and Underwater Archaeology course through the NAS eLearning site. You work through this course at your own pace.
Part 2: In-Water Skills Days
Practise recording and survey techniques in the water under the direction of professional archaeologists. BAREG currently runs its Skills Days on the lower Potomac River, using a sunken wooden barge as the training site. Depth at the site is 45 feet of seawater (fsw). BAREG provides all archaeology tools needed for the training.
Your Instructor
BAREG’s NAS Training is led by Troy Nowak, Maryland State Underwater Archaeologist with the assistance of colleagues from the Maryland Maritime Archaeology Program.
Students train under a working professional archaeologist who applies these same recording and survey methods in the field.
Cost and Payment
| Course | Cost | Paid to | How to pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online coursework | £90 GBP | NAS | When you register on the NAS eLearning site |
| Skills Days | $100.00 USD | BAREG | PayPal or cheque by mail |
If you pay by PayPal, please add the 2.99% PayPal service fee to your payment (a total of $102.99). If you would like to pay by cheque, please contact us for mailing details.
Earning NAS Credits on BAREG Field Projects
Students working toward the NAS Certificate and Award in Maritime Archaeology can earn 2.5 credits per day by taking part in BAREG archaeological field projects.
Upcoming NAS Courses and Field Projects
- Underwater Recorder and Surveyor Skills Days
- November 13 – 15 2026
- Lower Potomac River, Maryland, USA
Dive Training
BAREG is also an SDI/TDI training facility. We provide specialized dive training to members in support of our mission.
BAREG is committed to increasing and sharing knowledge of the Battles of the Atlantic, including documenting the wrecks of the First and Second World Wars. We do this by:
- Conducting historical research on the maritime campaigns fought between the Allies and the Axis Powers (1939 to 1945).
- Diving on wrecks connected to these campaigns and recording their current and changing condition through photography, video, and traditional archaeological recording.
- Presenting and publishing the results of our research and fieldwork.
BAREG does not offer general recreational dive training, such as Open Water Diver certification.
