How to Be Maritime Historian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 13, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The invention of the steam engine in the late 18th century revolutionized the maritime industry and had a lasting impact on maritime history. By creating a more efficient and powerful form of propulsion, steamships were able to travel faster and farther than traditional sailing ships. This enabled them to establish new trade routes and increase the amount of goods transported across oceans, leading to an unprecedented period of international trade and economic growth.

Furthermore, steamships allowed for more reliable shipping schedules and eventually helped to reduce the cost of trade, making it more widely available to a greater number of people. The effects of this technology reverberated throughout the maritime world and continue to be felt today.

Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelor's degree. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in history or a related field. A degree in maritime history, if offered, would provide the best background for a career as a maritime historian.
Take courses in maritime history or related fields. In addition to a degree in history, students should take courses related to maritime history, such as naval history, oceanography and geography.
Participate in an internship. Internships provide hands-on experience in the field of maritime history. Internships may be available with museums, libraries or government agencies that focus on maritime history.
Join professional organizations. Professional organizations, such as the International Maritime History Association, provide access to job postings as well as networking opportunities with other maritime historians.
Pursue a master's degree or higher. Many positions in the field of maritime history require advanced degrees, such as a master's degree or doctorate in history.
Consider publishing. Maritime historians can gain recognition and prestige by publishing books, journal articles and other materials related to the field of maritime history.

The maritime history of a region is often intertwined with its economic and political development. For this reason, skilled and competent maritime historians play an important role in helping to understand the past, present and future of a region. Without their expertise, it would be impossible to accurately trace the various developments and events that have shaped the seafaring history of a given area.

Maritime historians are also able to assess the impact of past events on present-day issues, such as maritime law, fisheries management, maritime security and transportation infrastructure. By studying these important topics, historians can gain insight into how society has evolved and how it can best be managed in the future.

You may want to check Documentary Historian, Museum Curator, and Legal Historian for alternative.

Job Description

Curator of Maritime History: Responsible for researching, collecting, and preserving maritime history through artifacts, documents, and other materials.
Maritime Historian: Conducts research on the history of maritime affairs and produces written and visual materials for public use.
Maritime Archaeologist: Investigates and documents underwater archaeological sites related to maritime history.
Maritime Museum Director: Manages the daily operations of a maritime museum, as well as its collection, exhibits, and educational programs.
Maritime Education Specialist: Develops and delivers educational programs related to maritime history, including lectures, seminars, and field trips.
Maritime Cultural Resource Manager: Manages cultural resources related to maritime heritage, such as shipwrecks, lighthouses, and archaeological sites.
Maritime Preservationist: Works to preserve and protect maritime heritage sites and artifacts through conservation, restoration, and advocacy efforts.
Maritime Exhibits Developer: Designs and builds interactive exhibits related to maritime history for museums and other educational institutions.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of maritime history and the factors that have shaped it.
Extensive experience researching maritime-related topics and writing documents on the same.
An understanding of the maritime industry, including current trends and developments.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficiency in using technology, such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) or other mapping software to analyze historical trends and data.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks related to maritime history and the maritime industry.
Familiarity with primary source material, such as archival documents, newspapers, photographs, and other artifacts.

Having a deep understanding of maritime history is essential for anyone wishing to work in the maritime field. Knowing the history of how ships were built, navigated, and traded helps to develop a greater appreciation for the role of ships in the development of global trade and commerce. Knowing about the changes in technology, such as advancements in navigation tools, can help to inform the development of new technologies that make ships more efficient and safer.

understanding how different nations interacted with one another in terms of maritime trade can provide insight into how their relations have evolved over time. Finally, understanding the effects of maritime disasters can help inform modern safety protocols and provide insight into how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Historical Documentation Specialist, Biographical Historian, and Museum Historian are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in Maritime History?
What specific areas of Maritime History are you most interested in?
How have you successfully used research and analysis to support your work as a Maritime Historian?
How have you applied your knowledge of maritime history to help solve problems in the maritime industry?
Describe a project or research paper you have conducted related to Maritime History.
How do you stay current on the latest developments in Maritime History?
What challenges have you faced in researching, writing, and presenting your findings related to Maritime History?
How do you ensure accuracy when interpreting and analyzing historical records related to Maritime History?
What techniques do you use to make complex topics related to Maritime History easier to understand for a lay audience?
What strategies do you use to craft compelling narratives around events related to Maritime History?

Common Tools in Industry

Shipbuilding Software. A computer-aided design program used to design, plan and analyze the construction of a ship. (eg: ShipConstructor by Autodesk)
Geographic Information System (GIS). A system designed to store, manipulate, analyze and display geographic data. (eg: ArcGIS by Esri)
Historical Database Tools. Software that helps to organize, search and analyze historical data. (eg: HistoryWorks by ProQuest)
Digital Mapping Tools. A software program used to create, edit and analyze maps. (eg: QGIS by Open Source Geospatial Foundation)
Document Analysis Tools. Software that helps to analyze, organize and compare text documents. (eg: Voyant Tools by Stéfan Sinclair and Geoffrey Rockwell)
Image Analysis Tools. Software that helps to identify, analyze and compare images. (eg: ImageJ by Wayne Rasband)
Statistical Analysis Tools. A software program used to collect and analyze numerical data. (eg: SPSS by IBM)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for State and Local History (AASLH)
American Historical Association (AHA)
Council of State Archivists (CoSA)
International Commission for Maritime History (ICMH)
International Council of Museums (ICOM)
National Association of Marine Historians (NAMH)
National Maritime Historical Society (NMHS)
Society for History in the Federal Government (SHFG)
Society for Industrial Archeology (SIA)
Society of American Archivists (SAA)

We also have Family Historian, Urban Historian, and Religious Historian jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Shipbuilding. The process of constructing vessels, from the initial design to the final construction.
Naval Architecture. The engineering and science of designing and building ships and boats.
Shipwrecks. The remains of a sunken or destroyed vessel.
Naval Warfare. The use of naval forces to combat enemies by sea.
Maritime Law. The legal framework governing the rights and responsibilities of ships, sailors, and those engaged in maritime activities.
Maritime Trade. The exchange of goods and services across oceans and other bodies of water.
Navigation. The practice of plotting and following courses through bodies of water.
Cartography. The science and art of creating maps.
Seamanship. The knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate a vessel.
Nautical History. A study of people, events, and trends related to the sea throughout history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of a Maritime Historian?

A Maritime Historian studies the history of maritime-related activities, such as seafaring, navigation, shipbuilding, and trade.

What qualifications are needed to be a Maritime Historian?

Most Maritime Historians have a Masters or Doctoral degree in maritime history or a related field. They must also have strong research and writing skills.

What kind of research do Maritime Historians typically conduct?

Maritime Historians typically conduct research in archives, libraries, and museums. They may also conduct fieldwork, such as visiting historic sites and interviewing witnesses.

How has the role of Maritime Historians changed over time?

In the past, Maritime Historians primarily focused on studying the history of seafaring and navigation. Today, they also study how maritime activities have impacted social, economic, and environmental change.

What is the importance of Maritime History?

Maritime History is important for understanding the development of societies and cultures around the world. It is also important for informing present-day policies related to maritime activities.