How to Salvage a Shipwreck

Historians have recorded shipwrecks since people first took to sailing the oceans. Untold amounts of valuable artifacts, such as jewelry and gold bullion, have plunged into the depths. With dedicated research and the right equipment, you can salvage almost any shipwreck and enjoy the rewards. Here's how.

Instructions

1. Take a sonar survey of a given area. Note any anomalies; they may turn out to be sunken ships.

2. Locate a sunken ship using electronic remote sensing equipment. Advances in such equipment allows searchers to more easily find shipwrecks. Document the coordinates of the shipwreck.

3. Conduct an examination of the site. Establish a grid detailing the field of debris from the shipwreck, take photographs or videos and document the characteristics of the shipwreck.

4. Use submersibles or robotic technology, if the shipwreck is too far underwater for divers to investigate. Though expensive, these may be the only way for you to conduct accurate research on deep-sea sites.

5. Check rules and regulations governing salvage of the shipwreck. These laws differ, depending on which government has jurisdiction over the site.

6. Apply for proper permits and abide by all salvage laws regarding the shipwreck.

7. Recover any artifacts from the shipwreck with scuba divers or robotic technology. Document the finds. The recovered artifacts salvaged from the shipwreck must go through a conservation process that can take months or years. Share your findings with the archaeological community.