Recreational Diving and Underwater Arqueology
Oscar Broullón - Aventurarse Expert

Who has never dreamt of finding hidden treasures? Who has never been marveled by the findings of numerous excavations in the Middle East? And who did not stop to read the news when the Docks of Alexandria and the Palace of Cleopatra were found under the waters of the Mediterranean Sea? As Jacques Ivan Cousteau investigated sunken Roman vessels by the coast of Marseille, he set the foundations for underwater arqueology.

Although the Mediterranean Sea is considered the richest arqueologic site under the waters, all the world's seas hold fragments of the past. The history of the world´s great civilizations has always developed beside some kind of water body, and that's where we must go to solve the mystery of their existence, growth and disappearance.

Attracted by Diving

Although the majority of this activity's participants are professionals(historians, anthropologists and arqueologists) who, attracted by underwater discoveries, have learnt to dive, the amount of recreational divers who try to join research groups around the world is growing every day.

Because of this activity's ample development and growth, companies dedicated to certifying divers are trying to make their training more complete by adding some of the necessary skills to participate in this overwhelming branch of science.

Some examples

CMAS provides seminars, symposiums and conferences, and its integrated federations try to do whatever necessary to expose their divers to this activity.

Although CMAS doesn't have an Underwater Arqueology specialty course, the president of its Scientific Committee has brought about the title of Scientific Diver, designed for marine biologists, physicists, arqueologists and other people interested in the science of the sea. The prerequisite to take this course is to be a 3 star recreational diver.
PADI doesn't count with an underwater arqueology course, either, but the numerous conferences that this association organizes are proof of its interest in the subject.

The Canadian association, ACUC, does have a specific course on the matter, but there are well known problems when this title is to be recognized, specially in the scientific environment.

A considerable amount of development has occurred in Spain, thanks to the CSAC(Cataluña Sub aquatic Arqueology Center). This entity was created within the Generalitat Culture Department, and has documented numerous explorations and expeditions. They rely on the Thetis, an emblematic ship which is equipped for any underwater activity.

Anyone interested in taking part of this activity must be a certified, experienced diver. Then he must approach one of the many associations who are committed to humanity's patrimony.