The MAAV works closely with Heritage Victoria's Maritime Heritage Unit (MHU) in researching, surveying, cataloguing, conserving and promoting our maritime past.

Projects across Victoria are organised regularly. This results in a large amount of work and data collection within a short period of time culminating in published reports.

Some of the many projects (see Project Index) by members include:

• H.M.V.S.Cerberus (1867-1926)
• the identification of WWI J Class Submarines
• the locating of the S.S. City Of Launceston (1863-1865)
• the excavation of the snow brig Mountain Maid (1841-1856)

MAAV members in conjunction with the MHU have participated in the following state funded projects:

• excavation and stabilisation work on the William Salthouse (1824-1841)
• excavation of the Australian built Clarence (1824-1850)
• survey work on the P.S.Clonmel (1836-1841), Will of the Wisp, Monumental City (1850-1853), Loch Ard (1873-1878)
• and of particular significance the City of Launceston (1863-1865) which attracted interstate participation.

The MAAV has been actively involved with interstate shipwreck programs such as:

• HMAS Pandora (QLD),
• HMS Sirius (Norfolk Island),
• Zanoni (SA),
• Sydney Cove (TAS)
• SS Xantho (WA).

Images left to right: MHU dredging on the Faugh-a-Ballaugh (1845) a wrecksite located by MAAV member Terry Arnott; propellor and shaft of the Monumental City (1850) one of the first wooden, screw steamers to cross the Pacific; examining frames on the Australian built Clarence (1841). Photos courtesy Heritage Victoria's, Maritime Heritage Unit.

The association actively promotes the Australasian Institute For Maritime Archaeology (AIMA) in conjunction with the Nautical Archaeological Society United Kingdom (NAS). Courses over several levels with this institute lead towards internationally recognised certification. This knowledge is utilised within the MAAV to pursue and complete local projects.

The association has access to a vast information database. This includes access to professional maritime archaeologists, universities, the Historic Shipwreck Advisory Committee, and the Maritime Heritage Unit of Victoria. The association has interstate and overseas affiliations.

What we need
You do not have to be a diver to benefit from membership of the MAAV. We need draughtsmen, artists, researchers, experts in their chosen field. Above all we need enthusiasm.

If our many and varied activities interest you, please feel free to attend any MAAV meeting or scheduled activity as a visitor and our guest.

Meetings are held on the first Monday of every month at the Port Of Melbourne Community Education Centre, Lorimer Street, Fishermens Bend, The Education Centre is located next to the Shipping Control Tower. Meetings commence at 8.00 PM and visitors are most welcome. Meetings regularly have guest speakers, project reports and video footage. Monthly meetings are always followed by a newsletter.

Annual General Membership $30.00, Student $25.00, Family $35.00

The MAAV is continuing strongly, and over the next twelve months has many ongoing projects for example the Eivion.

If you wish to learn more about the MAAV, Contact Us: