RPM Nautical Foundation is organized within the meaning of sections 170(c)(2) and 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.
[1] RPMNF's projects have recorded shipwreck sites and harbors in Spain, Albania,[2] Montenegro, Croatia, Malta, Morocco, Cyprus, Sicily, Amalfi and Calabria in Italy, Tunisia, and Turkey.
[citation needed] RPMNF research vessel R/V Hercules is based in Valletta, Malta, during the winter months.
The foundation was established in 2001 by its president, George Robb,[3] who was a director for the Institute of Nautical Archaeology.
At the end of 2010, RPMNF entered into an agreement and is a supporting institute for the Program in Maritime Studies at East Carolina University.