Time Is Running Out
Scattered across the 7 continents are countless shipwrecks and submerged underwater sites that are in desperate need of being documented for the archeological record. It has been noted since the 1950's that the condition of these irreplaceable cultural resources has sadly deteriorated. Many of these sites have been severely damaged or destroyed by the forces of nature, by human intervention, or by theft after the invention of the Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA).

As certified recreational scuba divers it is in our best interest and within our capabilities that these sites are located, and that proper surveys are conducted on them to record and preserve their Maritime history—before they completely disappear. Fortunately for our industry, a vast majority of these underwater sites are located near shorelines and inland lakes and rivers and are easily accessible and within the published no-decompression limits for recreational scuba.

The Underwater Archaeology Diver Program
The Underwater Archaeology Diver program was carefully designed so that the recreational diver, under the direct supervision of a trained and certified SDI instructor, will be able to learn the necessary techniques of underwater archaeology within a very short period of time.

A total hands-on-approach has been worked into every aspect of each individual course. Upon completion of the four-part certification program the student diver will have gained the necessary knowledge needed to successfully map and survey any shipwreck or submerged cultural resource site they are called to work on.