Conclusions

The discipline of deep-water archaeology is in its infancy and is often questioned by traditional academics because of its association with the commercial sector. It is hard to imagine, however, how deep-water archaeology could be carried out at all without such a relationship. During the last 15 years deep-water archaeological investigations have successfully been conducted at various sites around the world. The techniques for mapping sites, controlling the ROV, and recording data have evolved and been refined. A close working relationship has developed among the ROV operators, technical crew, and the archaeologists. The system is complex and challenging, but it works.

However, deep-water projects are expensive, and require detailed planning and working partnerships. Ongoing assessment and auditing are required to keep focused on the archaeology. Every deep-water project faces unique challenges that require innovation, so each project has to provide for expensive trials of equipment and techniques.

Recent deep-water archaeology has been groundbreaking in the development and testing of new tools, systems, methods, and techniques. It has set high standards for archaeologists and salvage firms alike who are willing to carry out joint archaeology/com-mercial ventures in the deep ocean. It remains to be seen whether the mainstream archaeological community will embrace such ventures, and how both they and the technology they employ will evolve.