The register of Australian and New Zealand ships and boats. The register of Australian and New Zealand vessels is a private project being undertaken as a hobby. It arose through the research work undertaken for the restoration of the tug Waratah and barque James Craig in the 1970s and 1980s. Information was being uncovered on other vessels for which there was no central repository. Lists and card records were drawn up in those earlier years including a card-based Register of Historic Vessels administered by the Sydney Maritime Museum. This electronic register commenced in 2000. There are currently more than 47,000 vessels recorded. Objective: To record the history, details, references and existent material of all significant Australian and New Zealand ships and boats.

The Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology (AIMA) is an incorporated, non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of underwater cultural heritage, and promotion of maritime archaeology conducted in accordance with internationally accepted ethical standards. AIMA is an organisation for anyone interested in maritime archaeology. Our members are professional maritime archaeologists, SCUBA divers, historians, photographers, students, academics, historical archaeologists, conservation scientists - a whole range of people who are interested in this fascinating aspect of our heritage anywhere in the world. Based in Australia it has sponsored work throughout Australia, Asia and the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions.

The Australian Association for Maritime History's publications, public lectures and other activities regularly feature a broad range of maritime history topics. The AAMH is run by an Executive Council that has officers from all States and Territories. The AAMH is not restricted to Australia and Australian maritime history: its membership and field of interest are international in scope. Fremantle, Western Australia

Australians are closely linked to the sea through commerce, defence, exploration, adventure, sport and play. Our oceans and waterways have influenced our development... and who we are. The museum captures these themes with fascinating artefacts, lively exhibitions, fun activities and even the chance to board ships and experience life on the water. Sydney, NSW Australia

In 1606, the small Dutch ship Duyfken sailed from the Indonesian island of Banda in search of gold and trade opportunities on the fabled island of Nova Guinea. They did not find gold - but they did find the northern coast of a huge continent: Australia. Duyfken is the first known European ship to visit Australia -- 164 years before the arrival of Captain James Cook. Nearly 400 years later a working full-scale replica was built in Western Australia to tell the 'Duyfken story' to Australia. You are invited to participate in the exciting replica project by visiting the replica in museum mode, sail on it or become a volunteer or Friend of the Duyfken. There are rich, rewarding and exciting educational experiences here for all ages. Sydney NSW Australia

Australia protects its shipwrecks and their associated relics that are older than 75 years through the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976. The Historic Shipwrecks Act applies to Australian waters that extend from the low tide mark to the end of the continental shelf and is administered in collaboration between the Commonwealth and the States, Northern Territory and Norfolk Island. Some Australian shipwreck sites lie within protected or no-entry zones. The Historic Shipwrecks Act is delivered through the Historic Shipwrecks Program. Its objectives are to research, explore, document and protect Australia's historic shipwreck heritage. Each State or Territory program offers different opportunities for public participation as do maritime archaeological volunteer associations that exist in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

Welcome to the Historical Diving Society Australia - Pacific. Our aim is to promote and preserve the rich diving heritage of our region. We have active members throughout Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific region and around the world. The Society also organises and encourages regional meetings. Regional groups are currently active in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and South Australia. Dingley Village, Victoria, Australia

MHAV represents over 40 organisations and hundreds of members supporting maritime awareness, collections, experiences and historic vessels. From canoes to clippers, immigrants to container ships, the sea has touched the lives of all Victorians. But Victoria is the only Australian state without a major centre to preserve and celebrate its vast maritime riches. The Discovery Centre displays many unique collections, including models of ships which have traded out of Melbourne over the last 180 years, many artefacts from those and other vessels, historical DVDs, paintings and prints of ships and the Port of Melbourne, and a library of publications and photos. Glen Waverley, Victoria, Australia

The Maritime Museum of Tasmania explores, preserves and interprets Tasmania's rich maritime past. Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

The original museum was begun by the Townsville Harbour Board which is now the Port of Townsville Ltd. Shortly after this the Seafarers Association assumed responsibility to ensure the safe keeping of local maritime cultural history. It was located in the Pier Master's office between berths 4 and 6 at the Townsville port. To allow for the expanding collection and ease of public access, the building was relocated in 1992 to where it stands today. One of the most exciting events planned for the Museum will be the permanent berthing of the patrol boat HMAS Townsville at the museum. Gifted by the Department of Defence, the vessel will provide a unique attraction for visitors, local sea cadets, and associated personnel. South Townsville, QLD Australia

Are you interested in ships and maritime history? Then become a subscriber to the Nautical Association's magazine THE LOG! The NAA was founded in 1967 and is run by volunteers. It is dedicated to the preservation and publication of the maritime history of Australia, New Zealand, and the South West Pacific. THE LOG is the only magazine published that records Australia's ongoing maritime history.

The Naval Historical Society of Australia is supported by the Royal Australian Navy to collect, protect and preserve our naval history.

Escape into Queenscliff's fascinating past. The shipwrecks, the rescues, the lifeboat, and the Pilots who continue to bring ships safely through the Rip and into Port. You will experience this and more at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum. Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia

The Queensland Maritime Museum was founded in 1971 and is run by a self-funded voluntary Association. It is situated on the banks of the Brisbane River at the southern end of South Bank Parklands. The Museum contains extensive collections of historical maritime artefacts, books, documents and photographs. The collection is displayed to the public in the galleries and grounds of the Museum under the broad headings of Navigation, Lighthouses, Ship Models, Marine Engines, Vessels, and the Dry Dock. South Brisbane, QLD Australia

Sail into battle, and around the world, in both War and Peace, with the Royal Australian Navy, from its early Australian Colonial beginnings to our first actions, from the Boxer Rebellion in China, WW1 & Gallipoli, WW2, Malaya, Korea, Indonesia and quite a large section devoted to the Vietnam War. Gun Plot is not merely a website full of dates, and statistical data about Australia's Navy. It also provides an insight into what life in the navy is like and an insight into the personal lives of sailors, both in peace and at war. From when Captain Cook first landed on our shores, until the present day. Gun Plot is a personally owned and funded website built by a former Royal Australian Navy Chief Petty Officer (Gunnery) and has no affiliation whatsoever with the Royal Australian Navy or Australian Department of Defence.

The SA Maritime Museum preserves the oldest nautical collection in Australia. In 1872 the Port Adelaide Institute began a museum collection to complement its library and its educational and social programs. That collection grew over the following century reflecting the seafarers and the ships that visited Port Adelaide. It is now held in trust at the SA Maritime Museum. Explore the collections and find out more about collections care and research. The SA Maritime Museum preserves, explores and celebrates the human history of our oceans and rivers. Port Adelaide, South Australia

"The Lady Hopetoun and Port Jackson Marine Steam Museum", the forerunner of the Sydney Heritage Fleet, was founded in 1965 by a group of public-spirited individuals to preserve Sydney's 1902 VIP steam yacht Lady Hopetoun. The organisation later became known as the Sydney Maritime Museum Ltd. In 1998 the museum adopted the trading name Sydney Heritage Fleet. The Fleet now comprises 10 historical vessels which is amongst the largest such collection in Australia. Pyrmont, NSW Australia

Perched on the Indian Ocean's shore, the Western Australian Maritime Museum is symbolic of Fremantle's past, present and future as a coastal city and port. The Museum houses several unique galleries that explore WA's relationship with the sea. From leisure boats and handcrafted sailing boats to commercial pearl luggers, the Museum inspires visitors to discover WA's affinity with the ocean. The Museum is home to the winning America's Cup yacht, Australia II, an Oberon class submarine — HMAS Ovens, Jon Sanders' Parry Endeavour and many other iconic vessels from WA's maritime history. Victoria Quay, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia