Maritime studies immersive experiences unveil underwater discoveries
Students in East Carolina University’s preeminent Program in Maritime Studies — one of only six in the world offering a master’s degree — have gotten real-world experience in documenting shoreline and submerged archaeological sites this summer.
Faculty members leading ECU’s field schools have taken students to explore several shipwrecks including a Spanish warship that sank more than 270 years ago in the Cape Fear River and a rare Civil War-era ‘ship inside a ship’ in the Tar River.
Students have gained archaeological skills in scaled mapping, photography, videography and photogrammetry in mostly dry settings. They also learned snorkeling-based recording and scuba operations in restricted visibility settings in the water.
The maritime studies program draws students from across the country who want to investigate oceans, ships and seafaring history, and archaeology. Students develop expertise in underwater data collection, the management of submerged and recovered artifacts, deep-sea diving and naval history.
The following stories highlight recent fieldwork by ECU maritime studies students. Visit the ECU Department of History’s Program in Maritime Studies for more information.