Marine Archaeology as a Career Choice

You are interested in History and just love the water? Why not combine the two and make a career choice of it? But what do you need to do to become a marine archaeologist and is there a demand? What does a marine archaeologist do?

Maritime archaeology, or marine archaeology, is the study of man's relation to the water - sea, lakes, rivers and streams - and the research it entails, covering such things as the underwater landscape, vessel and human remains, submerged cargoes, facilities on the shore etc; Within this are a couple of branches under the umbrella term 'marine archaeology' - one is 'Nautical Archaeology' which is focused on the study of the construction of ships and boats and the other is 'Underwater Archeology' which is more interested in the history of sunken remains.

Although much can be learned of our past from the sea in regards to economy and social life, through the shipwrecks that have been and will be discovered, marine archaeologists also study landscapes that at one time may not have been underwater - these are mainly prehistoric. Seismic events have been the cause of a number of areas now being submerged and climactic changes have also seen areas which were built by the shore now being partially underwater due to erosion or to the rising water levels. Study of the sea and of all its secrets offers us a valuable insight to our past and may provide information that we can use.

Over the last couple of decades, interest in this subject has grown and more colleges are offering courses that specialize in it - mankind has realized the need to understand and conserve this part of the planet.

While it isn't a prerequisite to be certified as a diver to study this subject, it will become necessary. Depending on where you reside, there are universities worldwide, who offer syllables in marine archaeology. A good place to start is the Institute of Nautical Archaeology - which has a website with a plethora of information, pictures and schedules of dive activity to various shipwrecks or other sites of archaeological interest.

If you are not certified as a diver and yet want to study this subject it will be necessary for you to achieve your certification along the way. To do this you will need to contact a local diving instructor and begin with the basic certification and progressing to higher levels as desired. Once qualified as an archaeologist the demand for services is one that can see you obtaining jobs in many countries around the world. However, at present the number of full-time jobs for underwater archaeologists is limited and it is therefore recommended that you acquire as many marketable skills as possible to make the possibility of landing one of these sought after positions more likely.

Experience is always a major plus as far as diving is concerned and the better your qualifications the better your chances of being considered. Other skills such as managerial or training and your academic ability are all areas that can set you apart. Remuneration for this type of work is not always particularly high - so don't expect to make your fortune at it - as one underwater archaeologist said - "I do it for the love of science and knowledge, not for the pursuit of wealth".