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.

“At the moment we are surveying two main shipwrecks: HMS Impregnable, which we know sank in 1799; and an unknown wreck. We are trying to gather enough data to identify the second ship from the wooden wreckage. That’s probably the most exciting aspect of my job: when the pieces all fall into place and you can solve a mystery.

“But it’s not just about the wrecks. The study of submerged prehistory is an expanding area of maritime archaeology. We spend a lot of time wading around in mud on the foreshore. Traces of early humans can be found underwater and in the intertidal zone. In fact, the muddy foreshore area contains evidence of human settlement from prehistory to the modern day.

“Back at the office, there is a lot of admin to be done as well as unpacking finds and keeping record sheets and the archives up to date. Then there is the more in-depth research. It’s amazing the amount of data that can be gathered from artefacts.

“I manage the archaeological fieldwork for the trust, which involves overseeing a number of projects and applying for fundraising through organisations such as the Heritage Lottery Fund. I also write and present papers about the work that we do at academic conferences and give talks to local interest groups. Maritime archaeology often involvesmultitasking.”

A second opinion

Kate Sutton, 30, community archaeologist, Museum of London

“As a community archaeologist, I find opportunities to get the public involved in archaeology and sometimes I have to create the opportunities myself. Next week, for example, I’m running a three-week community project on Hackney Marshes in East London. I organised and found funding for the project and, when it kicks off next week, I’ll be teaching children visiting the site – where we know there used to be an old mill and an inn – about archaeology and the history of their local area. I also organise roadshows and talks in schools. This can mean working evenings and weekends.

“I studied archaeology at university and then completed a masters in museum studies at University College London. My interest has always been in the people behind objects: who threw that artefact into the Thames and why? You have to be naturally curious to do my job – and have as much of an interest in people living today as those in the past.

“On an average day I might be in the museum identifying and researching objects that mudlarks, metal-detector users, farmers and other members of the public have found. I sometimes go down to the Thames shore to look at finds. I also meet metal-detecting clubs and go to other museums to talk to members of the public and identify objects that people have discovered. People find some gems in the mud by the Thames, such as medieval lead toys, that have changed our understanding of the past.

“As the finds liaison officer for Greater London with the Portable Antiquities Scheme, I also deal with any artefacts that could be classified as treasure under the Treasure Act. This states that any object more than 300 years old which is more than 10 per cent silver or gold belongs to the Crown. People bring items in to me and I do the initial identification, arrange to have it valued, fill in the paperwork and report to the coroner.”

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