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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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