United Kingdom-based National Historic Ships (NHS-UK), in conjunction with the International Boatbuilding Training College (IBTC), has announced a new diploma in the conservation of historic vessels.
Available from January 2014 at IBTC's Lowestoft hub, the course has been designed to offer practical hands-on training in the specialist skills required to build and conserve traditional wooden vessels.
"The course is open to those already learning traditional skills in the maritime sector, and could be used to enhance an apprenticeship in boatbuilding or marine engineering," said NHS-UK.
"It is also available to experienced shipwrights and boatbuilders, managers of conservation projects or private vessel owners and enthusiasts. The course consists of seven modules that can be taken concurrently or spread over a period of time.
It is the only course of its kind available in Britain and follows the development of NHS-UK's three-volume guidance publication "Understanding Historic Vessels" – which has been designed to cover the key principles behind the history and conservation of historic vessels.
