RPM Nautical Foundation - International

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 wreck sites, 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.

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.