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

Aug 16, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increasing demand for marine resources has caused a rise in offshore activities which, in turn, has led to an increase in the importance of Oceanic Archaeology. Oceanic Archaeology is a specialized field of study that focuses on the exploration, analysis, and preservation of underwater cultural heritage sites. This field of study is important to understand the history of human interaction with the marine environment and the development of maritime cultures, particularly those that are not easily accessible on land.

Oceanic Archaeologists use a variety of methods and tools, such as sonar and diving technology, to explore shipwrecks, sunken cities, and other underwater sites. They also use research techniques such as mapping, excavating, and radiocarbon dating to better understand the history of those sites. By studying these underwater sites, Oceanic Archaeologists are helping to protect maritime heritage and keep it available for generations to come.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first few steps to becoming an oceanic archaeologist require that you earn a bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, marine science, or a related field. During your undergraduate studies, take classes that focus on oceanography, maritime studies, and oceanic archaeology.
Participate in Archaeological Fieldwork. Participating in archaeological fieldwork is essential for gaining first-hand experience in the field. Internships and volunteer opportunities with organizations like the National Park Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and other research institutions will help you gain invaluable experience in the field.
Earn a Master's or Doctoral Degree. In order to pursue a career as an oceanic archaeologist, you will need to earn a masters or doctoral degree in oceanic archaeology or a related field. Depending on your career goals, you may want to consider earning a degree in maritime studies or anthropology.
Get Certified. Becoming certified as an archaeologist can help you stand out from other job applicants and demonstrate your expertise in the field. The Society for American Archaeology (SAA) offers certification for those who have the necessary educational background and experience.
Get Licensed. Depending on the state or country in which you live, you may need to obtain a license in order to practice archaeology professionally. Licensing requirements vary from place to place, so be sure to investigate the laws and regulations in your area before applying for a license.

Oceanic archaeology is a complex and challenging field of research, requiring reliable and capable archaeologists who are well-equipped to analyze and interpret the evidence from underwater sites. To be successful in this field, archaeologists must possess a wide range of skills, including diving expertise, knowledge of underwater survey and excavation techniques, familiarity with underwater photography and videography, and an understanding of marine geology and biology. Furthermore, archaeologists must have a comprehensive understanding of the historical context in which they are working and be able to recognize and interpret artifacts, features, and other evidence of human occupation or use. Finally, the ability to communicate effectively with other team members and the public is essential for successful oceanic archaeological research.

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Job Description

Conduct field surveys and excavations to locate underwater archaeological sites
Monitor and maintain archaeological sites
Analyze underwater artifacts
Create detailed reports of findings
Research the historical context of underwater sites
Prepare underwater maps and drawings of sites
Collaborate with other scientists, historians, and conservationists
Supervise diving operations
Preserve and store artifacts
Utilize technology such as remote sensing and sonar to study archaeological sites

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expertise in underwater field work and research methods
Knowledge of maritime history and archaeological theory
Ability to safely operate boats and other aquatic vehicles
Ability to work with a variety of tools and equipment used in underwater excavation
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Knowledge of oceanic environmental regulations and safety procedures
Proficiency with data collection and analysis techniques
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to make accurate and detailed records of findings
Ability to interpret archaeological data for publications, reports and presentations

Having a strong background in oceanic archaeology is essential for any archaeologist that wishes to explore and understand the many mysteries of our vast oceans. A comprehensive knowledge of maritime history and cultural development is necessary in order to identify and properly interpret artifacts and other evidence of past civilizations. an oceanic archaeologist must have a working knowledge of geology, biology, anthropology, and other related disciplines in order to understand the context of the materials they uncover.

They must also have good investigative skills, being able to spot clues that may lead to a better understanding of the people who left behind these artifacts. Finally, the oceanic archaeologist must be able to communicate their findings effectively to scholars and the public alike. By possessing these skills, an oceanic archaeologist can uncover valuable insights into our past and help us to better understand our place in the world today.

Marine Biochemist, Coastal Conservation Scientist, and Marine Fisheries Scientist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in oceanic archaeology?
How have your research skills helped you in your work as an oceanic archaeologist?
Describe your experience working with a team of field archaeologists.
How did you ensure accuracy in the data collected during an excavation?
What methods do you use to identify and analyze artifacts from underwater sites?
What challenges have you faced when excavating underwater sites?
How do you manage time-sensitive projects in underwater archaeology?
What techniques do you use to protect submerged archaeological sites?
Describe your experience with scientific diving and archaeological remote sensing methods.
How do you stay up-to-date on current trends and developments in oceanic archaeology?

Common Tools in Industry

Geophysical survey equipment. Used to identify and map submerged archaeological sites through the use of magnetic sensors, sonar, and side-scanning radars (e. g. Magnetometers, Sub-Bottom Profilers).
Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). A submersible robot used for underwater exploration and research (e. g. Deep Discoverer).
Diving Gear. Essential for underwater excavation and surveying (e. g. Drysuits, wetsuits, regulators).
SCUBA. Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus which allows divers to remain submerged for longer periods of time (e. g. BCDs, dive computers).
Underwater photography and videography equipment. Used for recording and documenting discoveries (e. g. Cameras, lights).
Sieving equipment. Used to find small artifacts in sediment (e. g. screens, sieves).
Mapping software. Used to accurately record findings in three-dimensional space (e. g. GIS, AutoCAD).
X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF). Used to analyze material composition (e. g. portable XRF analyzer).

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Nautical Archaeology
Society for Historical Archaeology
International Council of Monuments and Sites
Society for Underwater Archaeology
Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology
American Academy of Underwater Sciences
Submerged Resources Center
Council on Underwater Archaeology
The International Association for the Study of Maritime Archaeology
The Subsea Heritage Trust

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Common Important Terms

Marine Archaeology. A branch of archaeology that studies human activity on and around the sea, including shipwrecks, maritime trade networks, and coastal settlements.
Maritime Archaeology. The study of human activities on, around and underneath the waters of the world. It examines shipwrecks, submerged settlements, sunken artifacts, ancient harbors and other features.
Nautical Archaeology. The scientific examination of human activities in the marine environment, focusing on ships and other vessels, underwater structures and artifacts, and other archaeological material associated with them.
Underwater Archaeology. A branch of archaeology that studies submerged sites and artifacts. It includes the study of shipwrecks, sunken cities, submerged landscapes, and more.
Submarine Archaeology. The study of submerged sites and artifacts beneath the sea using divers, remotely operated vehicles, and other tools.
Marine Technology. The application of technology to marine environments, such as navigation systems, underwater exploration tools, and other specialized equipment used in marine archaeology.
Geomatics. The use of technology to measure, store, analyze and interpret geographic data. It includes cartography, global positioning systems (GPS), GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and remote sensing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main focus of an Oceanic Archaeologist?

Oceanic Archaeologists study the material remains of cultures and civilizations that have existed in the maritime areas of the world, such as island societies, seafaring peoples, and coastal communities.

What type of evidence do Oceanic Archaeologists study?

Oceanic Archaeologists study evidence such as artifacts, sites, shipwrecks, and rock art. They also use techniques such as underwater archaeology and remote sensing to investigate submerged sites.

What areas of the world do Oceanic Archaeologists typically work in?

Oceanic Archaeologists typically work in areas such as the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, South and East Asia, and the Mediterranean.

How long do archaeological sites typically remain underwater?

Sites typically remain underwater for hundreds or even thousands of years, depending on the environment, sea levels, and other factors.

What methods do Oceanic Archaeologists use to study these sites?

Oceanic Archaeologists use a variety of methods to study underwater sites such as snorkeling, scuba diving, underwater photography, core sampling, and geophysical survey techniques.