The Thrill of Maritime Archaeology

For many, scuba diving is defined by vibrant reefs and colorful marine life. But for a select few, the real allure lies not in nature, but in human history suspended beneath the waves. Maritime archaeology offers a unique perspective on the past that terrestrial digging simply cannot match. It is the closest we can get to actual time travel, but it requires a level of skill and discipline far beyond the recreational norm.

The defining characteristic of underwater archaeology is the profound sense of discovery. There is an indescribable rush when descending onto a site, realizing that yours might be the first human eyes to gaze upon a vessel since its final moments centuries ago. A shipwreck isn’t just debris; it is a pristine time capsule, a frozen moment of history preserved by the very water that claimed it.

The excitement extends beyond ships. Consider the awe of mapping a submerged coastal settlement—documenting the remains of a lost civilization or ancient tribal grounds that rising seas claimed millennia ago. In these moments, you aren’t just reading history books; you are swimming through the pages.

However, this work is rarely easy. “Science” in this context often means working in hostile environments. We don’t always have the luxury of calm, tropical waters. The challenge often begins before we even hit the water, gearing up on a boat platform pitching in six-foot ocean swells, or timing an entry into a ripping current to ensure we drift precisely onto a target coordinates.

Once on the bottom, the margin for error disappears. This is where technical skill becomes just as important as historical knowledge. Exceptional buoyancy control is not just a recommendation; it is a requirement. We are often working with organic materials—wood, leather, rope—that have softened over centuries. A single careless fin kick can disintegrate a fragile artifact forever.

Furthermore, we are often working in environments with silty bottoms. If a diver’s trim is off, the wash from their fins can cause a “silt-out,” dropping visibility to zero instantly. This not only halts the scientific work but creates a genuine safety hazard for the entire team.

Because we work in these challenging conditions—low visibility, cold water, strong currents, and complex artifact fields—safety is absolute. Archaeological diving requires planning and discipline far beyond typical recreational profiles.

We explore the past to understand the future, but we must do so with respect for the ocean and the history it holds.

A Note on Safety

Speaking of safety, I am proud to share a personal update. I have recently taken on the role of Dive Safety Officer for the Maritime Archaeological Society here in Oregon. It is a distinct honor to ensure that our teams can explore Oregon’s rich, submerged history effectively and return home safely after every expedition.

If you’re interested in joining us as we work to rebuild the dive operations for MAS, shoot me a message with your contact details and a brief summary of your dive experience. We are planning to train the team up to start mission diving toward the end of 2026.

Dive safe, and keep exploring!

~Doc

Dr Eric "Doc" Strand, PhD, OMD

Dr. Eric "Doc" Strand (USMC Veteran) spent 30 years as a physician dedicated to community wellness. Recently retired after 30 years of clinical practice, Doc now spends his time enjoying the profound stillness and weightless silence of the underwater world. As an SDI Instructor Trainer, Dr. Strand uses his medical and military background to inform his writing on safety, physiology, and technical diving. A published author of medical practice management guides and poetry, Doc pairs his technical expertise with a creative flair to make complex diving topics accessible, engaging, and insightful. Dr. Strand, owner and Chief Spartan of Spartan SCUBA in Gresham, Oregon, is also an active emergency response member of the Clark County Search & Recovery Dive Team, an instructor for both the Multnomah County and Clark County SAR teams, and is the Dive Safety Officer for the Maritime Archaeological Society, headquartered in Astoria, Oregon.