About the SUHR

The SUHR was a community based amateur maritime archaeology organisation operating in South Australia. It was formed in 1974 by recreational scuba divers and other persons interested in maritime archaeology and history. It is considered to be the first such group to form in Australia.

It evolved into a project-based organisation whose work consisted of activities such as planning, research, exploration, logistics, photography, survey and the publication of reports. Activities such as recovery and conservation, while historically significant, ceased to be carried out except where permitted by archaeological practice.

It is relevant to mention that the SUHR was not a recreational scuba diving club specialising in wreck diving. Rather, it was an amateur maritime archaeology organisation that uses recreational scuba diving techniques to achieve its objectives.

In March 2012, the SUHR was re-launched with a new name, the South Australian Archaeology Society, in line with a move to expand its operations to include all types of archaeological practice.

More information about the SUHR is available from its Wikipedia article at Society for Underwater Historical Research

Photograph: Loch Vennachar wrecksite - SUHR divers preparing to enter water via cliff jump entry (February 1977, photographer unknown)