Becoming an underwater archaeologist
Underwater archaeology is a sub-discipline of archaeology.
Archaeology studies human cultures through the analysis of their historical traces and
their context. It aims at explaining the origin and development of civilizations, as well as
the understanding of culture and history.
Underwater archaeology studies submerged sites, artifacts, human remains and
landscapes. It is to be seen in the larger context of maritime archaeology, which studies
human interaction with oceans, seas, lakes and rivers and is complemented by nautical
archaeology, which studies ship construction, boat technology and their use.
Underwater archaeology remains a recent discipline that requires a high level of
knowledge and technical experience.
Underwater archaeology still limited to a small number of experts and States. An underwater
archaeologist has not only to be an archaeologist by training, but also a professional
scientific diver. For the moment, the requirements and competency regulations for becoming
an underwater archaeologist are still very different all over the world.
© Trainito, underwater archaeological work.
The Annex of the UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural
Heritage provides clear technical operational standards and is internationally recognized as
the leading guideline for activities relating to such heritage. Its provisions and standards
provide for a high level of protection and quality research.
This Annex regulates that only competent underwater archaeologists should lead activities
on submerged archaeological sites. Competent means here not only the academic training
and the basic diving skills. To lead a project also the skills are needed that make each site
special. A site in the cold waters of Patagonia will for instance require other skills than a dive
in the much warmer waves of the Caribbean or in underwater caves.
A large number of countries wish to develop and extend their underwater
archaeological research.
importance of the submerged archaeological sites concerned. Capacity-building in the still
recent, but very specific discipline of underwater archaeology is therefore needed.
To become an underwater archaeologist it is recommended to first take studies in
archaeological sciences and then to extend this study to underwater archaeology.
This should be done through academic study and accompanying with continuous practical
training.
UNESCO provides on its website a list of universities and training institutions
offering teaching in underwater archaeology worldwide.
However, many States still lack qualified underwater archaeologist, conservation specialists
and administrative personnel with scientific competence on a level appropriate to the
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