How to Be Marine Archaeologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 7, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Marine Archaeology is a discipline that studies the remains of ships, ports, and other human activities on the seafloor. It uses a combination of archaeological, historical, and marine science methods to analyze and interpret the evidence. Marine Archaeology has led to a better understanding of our maritime past, which has had a profound effect on our present-day lives.

For example, it has uncovered early shipping routes, sunken vessels, and ancient trade networks that have provided insight into ancient societies and cultures. it has shed light on the history of navigation and seafaring, which has resulted in improved safety practices for modern ships and sailors. Furthermore, Marine Archaeology has provided an in-depth look at human interactions with the environment, helping us understand how our actions can affect the oceans health.

Lastly, this discipline has also resulted in greater public awareness of the importance of preserving our underwater cultural heritage, which is essential for future generations to appreciate.

Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelor's degree in marine archaeology, marine biology, anthropology or a related field. Many universities have majors specifically related to marine archaeology, such as the University of West Florida's program in underwater archaeology.
Pursue a master's degree in marine archaeology or a related field. This may involve both classroom and field study.
Obtain certification in scuba diving and underwater archaeology. This may involve taking classes in areas such as navigation, underwater photography and artifact recovery.
Find an internship in marine archaeology. This will provide you with valuable experience and knowledge in the field.
Join a professional organization related to marine archaeology. This will provide you with networking opportunities and access to job postings.
Find a job in marine archaeology. You can look for jobs with organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), state-level agencies or private archaeological firms.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as a Marine Archaeologist, it is important to stay abreast of the latest trends and developments in the field. This can be achieved by attending conferences and seminars, reading current archaeological literature, and participating in research projects. it is important to continually update and develop ones skills in archaeological techniques such as data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.

Finally, it is beneficial to pursue additional qualifications such as specialized training programs and/or post-graduate studies in order to remain competitive in the field. By following these steps, Marine Archaeologists can remain qualified and competitive in the archaeological field.

You may want to check Site Manager, Forensic Archaeologist, and Anthropologist for alternative.

Job Description

Underwater Archaeological Field Technician
Marine Archaeological Researcher
Maritime Archaeological Surveyor
Submersible Pilot
Marine Archaeological Investigator
Maritime Cultural Resource Manager
Maritime Historical Interpreter
Marine Archaeological Conservation Specialist
Maritime Site Excavator
Marine Archaeological Laboratory Technician

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of oceanography and marine biology
Knowledge of dive techniques and safety procedures
Knowledge of archaeological techniques
Knowledge of maritime history
Ability to read and interpret historical documents
Ability to identify archaeological artifacts
Ability to use specialized equipment such as metal detectors, side-scan sonar, and sub-bottom profilers
Ability to prepare scientific reports
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Good organizational skills and ability to work independently
Computer literacy and familiarity with data analysis software
Ability to work in a wide range of marine environments

Marine archaeology is a field of study that requires a variety of skills to be successful. The first and most important skill for a marine archaeologist to have is knowledge of the ocean environment, including the ocean floor, the currents, and the creatures that inhabit it. This knowledge helps to identify potential archaeological sites, as well as to understand how the environment has impacted the preservation of artifacts.

a marine archaeologist must have an understanding of navigation and charting. This knowledge is essential in order to locate and map archaeological sites, as well as to ensure that any artifacts are properly recorded and documented. a marine archaeologist must also have an understanding of history and anthropology in order to interpret the artifacts that they find, as well as to place them in the context of a particular culture or time period.

Finally, a marine archaeologist must be able to analyze data and draw conclusions from their findings. This requires strong analytical skills and the ability to think critically. All of these skills are essential for any marine archaeologist who wishes to be successful in their studies.

Archaeology Illustrator, Geomorphologist, and Illustrator/Draftsman are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in Marine Archaeology?
What experience do you have conducting underwater surveys and excavations?
How do you ensure the accuracy of your findings?
What challenges have you faced while excavating underwater sites?
What techniques do you use to handle fragile artifacts?
What research techniques do you use to collect data and analyze artifacts?
How do you ensure the preservation of artifacts found in your excavations?
How do you collaborate with other team members in a project?
What safety protocols do you follow while conducting underwater surveys and excavations?
What strategies do you use to manage large teams of marine archaeologists?

Common Tools in Industry

Side Scan Sonar. Used to detect objects and features on the seafloor (eg: mapping shipwrecks).
Sub-bottom Profiler. Used to investigate stratigraphy of the seafloor (eg: locating buried artifacts).
Magnetometer. Used to detect magnetic sources (eg: metal objects).
Video Camera. Used to document and visualize archaeological sites (eg: recording shipwreck sites).
Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV). Used to explore underwater environments and collect specimens and samples (eg: recovering artifacts).
Multi-beam Echosounder. Used to produce a detailed image of the seafloor (eg: locating shipwrecks).
GIS Software. Used to analyze and map data (eg: mapping shipwreck locations).
Underwater Metal Detector. Used to detect metal objects (eg: finding cannonballs).
Diving Gear. Used to explore underwater sites (eg: mapping shipwrecks).
Sample Collection Bags and Containers. Used to store and transport collected samples and artifacts (eg: recovering artifacts from shipwrecks).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Underwater Archaeology
Council for British Archaeology
Society for Historical Archaeology
International Congress of Maritime Museums
International Marine & Underwater Archaeology Society
International Council of Monuments and Sites
International Society for Maritime Archaeology
National Association of Underwater Instructors
Institute of Maritime History
Nautical Archaeology Society

We also have Field Supervisor, Field Technician, and Zooarchaeologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Maritime Archaeology. The study of human interaction with the sea, lakes, and rivers, including both terrestrial and submerged sites.
Shipwreck. A sunken ship or other vessel, typically one that has been destroyed or lost at sea.
Underwater Archaeology. The study of submerged archaeological sites, including shipwrecks and other submerged structures.
Archaeological Site. Any area of land or water where evidence of past human activity is found.
Maritime History. The study of all aspects of maritime activity, including exploration, trade, and warfare.
Maritime Law. A body of law that governs a variety of activities related to the sea, including navigation and salvage rights.
Nautical Archaeology. The study of material culture associated with maritime activity, such as shipwrecks and other submerged artifacts.
Archaeological Conservation. The preservation of archaeological remains through the use of conservation techniques.
Archaeological Survey. The examination of a site or area to identify archaeological features and artifacts.
Remote Sensing. The use of satellite imagery, aerial photography, and other technologies to identify archaeological features on land or underwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marine Archaeology?

Marine Archaeology is the study of submerged cultural heritage, such as shipwrecks, submerged settlements, and other archaeological remains that are located underwater.

What kind of tools are used by Marine Archaeologists?

Marine Archaeologists use a variety of tools, such as metal detectors, sonar equipment, submersible vehicles, diving equipment, and video cameras to explore and document underwater sites.

What kind of qualifications are needed to become a Marine Archaeologist?

To become a Marine Archaeologist, one must have a degree in archaeology or a related field, such as anthropology or geology, as well as specialized training in underwater surveying techniques and diving safety.

What is the average salary for a Marine Archaeologist?

The average salary for a Marine Archaeologist is approximately $50,000 per year.

What organizations support Marine Archaeology research?

Organizations such as the Society for Historical Archaeology, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) support and fund research into Marine Archaeology.