Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Decide if you want to join an archaeological expedition or search for sunken treasures on your own. There is a lot of debate about treasure hunters versus archaeologists, so read up the topic online. When planning to harvest treasure on your own, remember that important information can be learned about ancient civilizations from the underwater artifacts.
Learn about the different kinds of sunken treasure. Most people imagine chests of gold, gemstones and coins when they think of sunken treasures; however, other items are also valuable. Consider looking for guns, equipment, buttons and other kinds of cargo as well.
Get the right equipment. If you plan to search for sunken treasure in creeks, the edge of the beach or shallow water, you need only a waterproof metal detector. However, for deeper underwater salvage, you will need scuba diving equipment, side scan sonar, large detecting equipment and possibly ROVs (underwater robots) and underwater cameras.
Do as much research as possible about the various places to look for sunken treasures. Find out where ships have wrecked, read shipping logs and books and research missing ships and even ocean currents. Look online to find lists of shipwrecks and missing treasures.
Research the laws and regulations that govern the body of water where you will search for sunken underwater treasures. Some countries require permits, and some items, like U.S. government ships, are illegal to harvest.
Document everything about your sunken treasure search and recovery, even if you are not working with archaeologists. Details you think are unimportant could be the key to learning important information about history and culture. Forward the information to historians or archaeologists even if you do not pass along your treasure.