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

Jun 19, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Underwater archaeology is a branch of archaeology that focuses on the research, exploration, and analysis of submerged cultural sites. It is often conducted in difficult and hazardous conditions, requiring specialized skills and equipment. Underwater archaeologists are able to uncover and study archaeological sites that may have been lost or destroyed by natural or human-induced changes to the landscape.

By exploring these submerged sites, they can gain valuable insight into the past, including people's daily lives, their activities, beliefs, and social customs. This can lead to a better understanding of ancient civilizations and our modern-day societies, as well as the effects of climate change on historical cultures and environments.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. A four-year bachelor's degree in archaeology, anthropology, history, or a related field is the minimum educational requirement to become an underwater archaeologist. Coursework should include classes in maritime history and underwater archaeology, as well as fieldwork courses.
Get Certified. It is highly recommended that aspiring underwater archaeologists become certified in SCUBA diving. This certification is necessary to be able to work in many underwater archaeological sites.
Participate in Internships or Practicums. Practicums or internships are an excellent way to gain field experience and make connections with other professionals in the field.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the Society for Historical Archaeology, the Council for Northwest Anthropology, or the Society for Underwater Archaeology can help aspiring underwater archaeologists network and stay up to date on research and opportunities.
Obtain a Graduate Degree. Most employers prefer to hire underwater archaeologists who have a master's degree in archaeology, anthropology, history, or a related field.
Gather Experience. Participating in fieldwork and internships is the best way to gain experience and make connections with professionals in the field. Many archaeologists also have teaching experience or have worked as a research assistant at a university.

Underwater archaeology requires a great deal of skill and efficiency to be successful. To become a skilled and efficient underwater archaeologist, an individual must first obtain a degree in the field, either with a Bachelor's or Master's degree. They must also have an in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of the site they plan to investigate.

they must be well-versed in diving and navigation techniques, as well as being familiar with the various tools and equipment used in underwater archaeology. Furthermore, they must possess strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with other experts in the field and communicate their findings to the public. Finally, they must have the ability to work long hours and in difficult conditions, such as cold temperatures and strong currents.

All of these skills and abilities are essential for an underwater archaeologist to be successful.

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Job Description

Develop and implement research designs for underwater archaeological projects.
Conduct archaeological fieldwork, including underwater survey and excavation.
Analyze and interpret data collected during underwater fieldwork, including artifacts, structures, and sites.
Prepare detailed reports and presentations on the results of underwater archaeological fieldwork.
Create archaeological models and drawings of underwater sites and artifacts.
Train and supervise volunteers and interns in archaeological fieldwork techniques.
Maintain project records and databases of underwater archaeological sites.
Work with government agencies to ensure compliance with regulations and permits related to underwater archaeology.
Collaborate with other archaeologists, historians, geologists, and other specialists on underwater archaeology projects.
Provide public education about underwater archaeology through lectures, tours, and other outreach activities.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of historical archaeology and maritime history
Comprehensive knowledge of archaeological survey and excavation techniques
Experience with diver-based underwater survey and excavation
Ability to use a variety of dive equipment, including drysuits and mixed gas systems
Knowledge of preservation methods for underwater artifacts
Ability to interpret and analyze archaeological data in order to provide meaningful interpretations
Ability to write archaeological reports and present research findings
Familiarity with safety protocols for underwater work
Ability to coordinate and manage research projects, including grant writing and fundraising
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Being an underwater archaeologist requires a strong set of skills to be successful. Attention to detail is essential in order to accurately document and interpret archaeological sites. Critical thinking and problem solving abilities are also necessary to be able to analyze the data gathered from a site and draw meaningful conclusions.

Communication skills are also important, both verbal and written, so that results can be effectively presented to others. teamwork is essential in order to coordinate with other members of a project. Finally, physical strength and endurance are important for diving, lifting heavy equipment and working in difficult conditions.

All these skills combined allow underwater archaeologists to successfully explore and protect our marine heritage.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What drew you to the field of underwater archaeology?
Describe a project or research you worked on that you found particularly interesting.
What challenges have you faced while conducting underwater archaeological work?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest underwater archaeological techniques and technologies?
What experience do you have in utilizing underwater robotics in your research?
How have you dealt with limited funding for underwater archaeological projects?
Explain the safety protocols you follow when conducting underwater archaeological work.
What techniques do you use to accurately record and document underwater archaeological sites?
Describe your experience in working with local communities on underwater archaeological projects.
How do you ensure that ethical standards are maintained during underwater archaeological projects?

Common Tools in Industry

Metal Detector. Used to locate and identify metallic objects below the surface of the water. (eg: Used to find a sunken shipwreck from World War II. )
Submersible Camera. Used to capture images of underwater sites. (eg: Used to photograph an ancient shipwreck off the coast of the Mediterranean. )
Side Scan Sonar. Used to create images of the seabed and detect objects at a distance. (eg: Used to map an area of the ocean floor for an archaeological expedition. )
Dive Computer. Used for calculating dive times, depths and bottom times. (eg: Used to ensure a safe dive to investigate a shipwreck. )
Marine Magnetometer. Used to detect magnetic anomalies from objects buried beneath the seafloor. (eg: Used to locate a sunken aircraft from World War II. )
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Used to explore and document underwater areas with cameras and manipulators. (eg: Used to study coral reefs and other deep sea habitats. )

Professional Organizations to Know

The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA)
Society for Historical Archaeology (SHA)
Society for American Archaeology (SAA)
Council for British Archaeology (CBA)
International Congress of Maritime Museums (ICMM)
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABSD)
Institute of Maritime History (IMH)
European Underwater and Marine Agency (EUMA)
Underwater Archaeology Branch, Naval History & Heritage Command (UAB-NHHC)

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Common Important Terms

Archaeology. the scientific study of past human cultures and activity, based on artifacts and other physical evidence.
Maritime Archaeology. the study of human activity at sea and on the coast, and its effects on the coastal environment.
Shipwrecks. the remains of ships that have sunk or been wrecked by natural or man-made causes.
Artifacts. objects made or used by humans.
Side Scan Sonar. a type of sonar used to locate objects on the seafloor.
Photogrammetry. a method of mapping the seafloor from photographs taken from above the surface.
Subbottom Profiling. a type of acoustic imaging used to map the seafloor.
Magnetometer. an instrument used to detect small variations in the Earths magnetic field.
Remote Sensing. the use of imaging technology to detect and map features on the seafloor.
Geophysical Surveying. the use of physical instruments to measure properties of the ocean floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an Underwater Archaeologist?

It typically takes between six to eight years to become an Underwater Archaeologist, including obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Archaeology, completing a Master's Degree in Maritime Archaeology, and gaining practical experience through fieldwork.

What kind of equipment do Underwater Archaeologists use?

Underwater Archaeologists use a variety of specialized equipment, such as SCUBA diving gear, sonar systems, underwater cameras, and dredging equipment.

What types of sites do Underwater Archaeologists explore?

Underwater Archaeologists often explore shipwrecks, submerged settlements, and other archaeological sites that are located underwater.

What is the job outlook for Underwater Archaeologists?

The job outlook for Underwater Archaeologists is positive, with job opportunities expected to grow by approximately 11% over the next decade.

What skills are necessary to be an Underwater Archaeologist?

To be an Underwater Archaeologist, one must possess a variety of skills, such as knowledge of maritime history and archaeology, SCUBA diving certification, strong communication and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Web Resources

Underwater Archaeology | Master of Professional Science - Miami mps.rsmas.miami.edu
Underwater Archaeology | Real Archaeology - pages.vassar.edu pages.vassar.edu
Underwater Archaeology - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution www.whoi.edu