Click on the block above for Recreational Diver Education Resources

Professionals and Students

Photo courtesy Lynn Harris, ECU

Underwater archaeologists are typically employed by government agencies, museums, universities, and private consulting firms. It is an exciting career for talented, motivated individuals with a great love for studying and preserving the past, outdoor activity, and travel. Underwater archaeology requires individuals with technical abilities such as scientific writing, drafting, conservation, model building, photography, electronics, remote-sensing, diving, vessel operations, and chemistry. Form an up-to-date list of universities offering training visit the SHA web page Guide to Graduate Programs in Historical and Underwater Archaeology. Opportunities for full-time career employment may be limited, but participation in professional and avocational organizations offers additional occasions for selective involvement.

Professionals, students, and volunteers working together can preserve our maritime history. Photo courtesy Lynn Harris, ECU.

Avocational and Recreational Divers

If you love maritime archaeology but don’t want to pursue a full time career, additional opportunities may be found in the many organizations that train and lead volunteers and avocational archaeologists. Working under the supervision of archaeological professionals, volunteers participate in nearly every facet of archaeology: archival research, field survey and excavation, boat handling, diving, laboratory work, project planning, logistics, and fund raising. Learn more about opportunities for recreational diver maritime heritage education. There are organizations world wide to contact and get involved.

Conferences and Public Archaeology Days

Conferences and meetings, such as the annual SHA Conference on Historical and Underwater Archaeology, provide professionals, avocational archaeologists, and students with a forum for presenting research results, communicating with colleagues, meeting new people, and learning about new findings and technology. Each year the conference hosts a Public Archaeology Day open to all who love history and archaeology. Click on the SHA Conference link to find out more about the conference and the annual Public Archaeology Day.