Maritime Archeology... not as boring as you think...
by: Kevin J.
Maritime archeology is the scientific study of artifact assemblages, sites and structures which are associated with past human activity and now lie underwater, either beneath the sea or in inland waters.
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Maritime archeological research comprises all aspects of human activity related to the sea. These include both the exploitation of the ocean resources and seafaring and elements such as ideology, the organization of the society, language, and religion related to the sea. |
A Maritime Archeologist explores the enormous coastline of Norway |
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A Maritime archeologist diver explores the ocean floor. |
Material sources of maritime archeological research can be found on the seabed in the beach area or around the shore. Additional sources can be of a non-material character, such as myths or traditions. Throughout the ages such maritime activites have left traces along the coastline, both on land and under the sea in the shape of shipwrecks, harbor constructions, fishing and whaling stations, boathouses, and navigation marks. All of these elements make up a so called maritime cultural landscape that the archeologists explore and protect for future generations. |
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| "Booooo!" says the Maritime Archeologist
to the unsuspecting fish grazing on the ocean floor. |
There are a variety of Maritime archeology courses offered in college along with various occupations that one who is interested in maritime archeology can pursue once they are out of college. A career in maritime archeology normally requires a university degree, preferably in archeology and a good honors degree will normally be required. However, there are several courses one can take specifically for maritime archeologies that are offered at a variety of colleges. Some of these courses are Maritime aspects of culture; Archeology underwater; Humanities research skills; Archeology research design; Maritime heritage; Early ships and boats; Shipping in the early modern world; and, of course, Maritime archeology.
 Ghosts
of the Abyss is a film by James Cameron about a group of Maritimal
Archeologists who explore the ancient ruins of the sunken ship Titanic |
Pursuit of a career in maritime archeology will ultimately require an advanced degree from a department of anthropology/archeology and some level of cultural/historical/geographical specialization. A solid background in land-based archeological methodology should be coupled with maritime archeological training and experience. Career opportunities appear to be expanding based on tremendous need for maritime preservation work in the Great Lakes region and on growing public awareness and interest in Great Lakes maritime preservation issues. |
Related Links
A definiton of Maritime Archeology and
different aspects of working for a museum |
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An interview with Kenneth Pott, a nautical archeologist |
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University
of Southampton Maritime
Archeology |
The University of Southampton's site on the core
and optional units that they offerof Maritime Archeology |
Universtiy
of Bristol Department
of Archaeology and Anthropology |
The University of Bristol's site specific courses
that they offer in Maritime Archeology and the staff members who teach
them |
A Norwegian site that explains the history of Maritime
Archeology and the research that it comprises of |
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