The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Maritime Archaeology Society was formed in 2004 in order to promote maritime archaeology in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The society currently has over 100 members, about 75% of which are divers.

The first project undertaken by CISMAS was a two year survey of the debris field around the wreck of HMS Colossus (1798) in the Isles of Scilly. This project was facilitated by a grant of £25,000 from the Local Heritage Initiative. Other projects undertaken include recording of ship timbers, a museum display and publication of a booklet about HMS Colossus.

The society is currently working on a major maritime survey of Mount’s Bay in Cornwall, this project is assisted by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. CISMAS is also involved in several projects on the Isles of Scilly including a survey of the wreck of HMS Firebrand (1707) and a survey of the inter-tidal archaeology of Samson Flats.