Situated in the beautiful and versatile backdrop of Vesuvian Institute, the Department follows and promotes initiatives to spread knowledge about underwater excavations, especially those located in the Campania Region.
This region played a large role in Roman military and economic History, with a naval base in Miseno and the commercial port of “Sinus Bainus”.  There were also many seaside villas that contributed to the social structure of Rome, all of which are unique to this particular region.
Our research department sits comfortably between the traditional and technologically advanced methods, making us accessible to scholars, researchers and enthusiasts alike.   Our departments looks towards new discovers as well as preserving and conserving.

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT

The RAS Foundation has worked with the department to build a research boat named Captain Porzio, equipped with a DP Dynamic Positioning system that has fixed positioning and a high power Hydroacoustic position Reference system for transponders.  The advanced technology is able to identify and simultaneously control up to 58 submerged signals .

They also have a submarine, Pliny the Elder, which is able to reach a depth of 300 meters, it can transport 2 guests plus the pilot or be operated remotely.