The Institute of Nautical Archaeology works internationally to locate, document, excavate, and preserve shipwrecks and other sites of maritime significance The Institute of Nautical Archaeology conducts archaeological research to increase knowledge of the evolution of civilization through the location and excavation of submerged and buried ships, submerged ruins, and their associated artifacts. INA is a non-profit international research organization committed to locating, excavating, recording, preserving, and publishing shipwrecks and other archaeological sites of maritime significance.