SEAFARER EXPLORATION CORP.
TAMPA, FLORIDA

As in any undertaking, archaeological investigation is subject to the constraints of time and available resources. It is therefore important to attempt to focus efforts on sites that are likely to be of historical significance. The coastal waters of Florida have had a long and diverse history of maritime use, making it a prime location for underwater investigation. By a combination of understanding historic shipping lanes, ships known to have been lost and aquatic processes which affect the post depositional distribution of finds, it is possible to hone in on sites likely to be of historic significance and likely to produce fruitful results through further investigation. An asset in the investigation of historic shipwrecks is contemporary documentation which may help in the identification of period wrecks. Archives in France, Spain, Cuba and Florida house extensive records concerning ships, crew and cargo during the Colonial period. While it is not always possible to link a specific wreck to a historically documented vessel, especially in the case of potential pirate or contraband vessels, historical sources prove invaluable in the interpretation of wreck finds. Multiple skills are utilized in the investigation of archival material, the reading of multiple languages as well as familiarity with historic calligraphy being perhaps paramount among these. Careful review of historic and archival material can be of great use in the identification, understanding and contextualization of archaeological sites. The potential location of a wreck site may be observed from a combination of factors. Anyone who has been to the beach knows that tides can wash objects ashore. While such objects are usually refuse, it is not unknown for objects from historic shipwrecks to be found deposited on beaches by the incoming surf. This is exactly how Florida’s Treasure Coast received its name. Fishermen can also discover potential wreck sites during the normal course of their day to day operations. Sites can also be found during ecological investigation, such as the surveying of the sea floor. Once a potential site has been identified and deemed worth further investigation, a permit from the State is sought to conduct a preliminary investigation, such as a magnetometer survey, before further permission is sought for an on-site investigation. Seafarer also searches in other parts of the world for sites that contain valuable, cultural heritage. ) underwater research, exploration, and recovery company.