Archaeology: a job that brings things of the past back to life

Julie Satchell, 33, maritime archaeologist, Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology

“Maritime archaeology is much more than simply looking for shipwrecks. It’s the study of human interaction with the sea and the marine environment.

“The practical work that I and the core team of archaeologists do is seasonal to take advantage of the calmer sea during the summer months. Marine fieldwork involves getting out on the dive boat to catch the tide. The basic archaeological techniques that you use underwater are the same as those on land, however. The time you can spend on the seabed is limited so it is good to build up as much terrestrial fieldwork experience as possible.

“Maritime archaeology is quite specialised. I did my undergraduate degree in archaeology at the University of Southampton, where they specialise in maritime archaeology, and I took part in underwater projects, helping out with underwater surveying, recording and excavation. I followed this with a masters in maritime archaeology and I’m also a qualified professional diver, which takes a lot of training...[Times Online]