Underwater Archaeology Diver

Description

Underwater Archaeology

Key Course Components:

• Classroom/Theory: Learn principles of underwater archaeology, site ethics, legal protections, basic oceanography, and identification of marine life.
• Purpose: To acquaint the diver with the fascinating world of underwater archaeology and teach them how to properly conduct archaeological surveys without disturbing the site.
• Skills Development: Practice non-intrusive methods like:
  • Methodology: Non-intrusive survey techniques and 2D trilateration mapping.
  • Documentation: Sketching, photography, and video recording artifacts in place (in situ).
  • Ethics & Law: A heavy focus on the preservation of history, the “time capsule” nature of shipwrecks, and legal protections for submerged cultural resources.
  • Survey Techniques: Transect tapes, quadrats, and data collection.
  • Conservation: Principles of site preservation and artifact management. 
• Practical Dives: Hands-on sessions in pools and open water to apply learned skills, often involving mapping and surveying a simulated or real wreck site. 

• How to behave responsibly around submerged cultural heritage.
• Detailed survey and mapping techniques for shipwreck sites.
• Ethical considerations for working with underwater historical sites.
• How to contribute to marine science and conservation.

Core Archaeological Skills

• Site Surveying & Mapping: Proficiency in 2D site survey techniques, including the use of trilateration (measuring from fixed points) to create accurate scale drawings.
• Documentation & Recording: Using specialized tools like underwater slates, mylar sheets, and pencils to sketch artifacts and site layouts.
• Photography & Videography: Recording site details, stratigraphy, and artifact deposition using cameras and video equipment for thorough documentation.
• Data Interpretation: The ability to interpret recorded data to understand the nature of a site, such as identifying shipwreck remains or artifact clusters.
• Non-Invasive Techniques: Mastering “look but don’t touch” methods to explore and document sites without disturbing or damaging historic materials. 

Practical Diving Skills

• Buoyancy Control: Maintaining precise neutral buoyancy is critical to avoid disturbing the seabed, damaging fragile artifacts, or silt-outs that obscure visibility.
• Underwater Navigation: Utilizing both compass and natural navigation to orient within a survey grid and accurately relocate specific artifacts.
• Teamwork & Communication: Coordinating with dive partners to perform multi-person tasks like stretching tape measures or managing a planning frame.
• Equipment Mastery: Testing and managing standard dive gear alongside specialized archaeological tools like tape measures, rulers, and grids. 

General Requirements

• Dive Planning: Demonstrating sound judgment in planning dives within depth and time limits (15–60 feet for this course).
• Logbook Maintenance: Properly logging all four required training dives, noting specific archaeological tasks completed.