Jeremy Weirich examines possible shipwreck debris during a beach survey in association with an maritime heritage project co-sponsored by NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration, National Geographic Society and National Park Service. Image courtesy of Tony Green, Filey Bay Initiative.

Marine Archaeologist

Jeremy Weirich, LT
Maritime Archaeological Program Officer
NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration

Review the Chat Archive
November 20, 2004

This profile has the following content:

Video Profiles
Watch and listen to the video an/or read the transcript.

Introduction (Quicktime, 2.1 Mb)
Discover what Jeremy enjoys most about his job and understand his role as a marine archaeologist.

Navigation (Quicktime, 5.2 Mb)
Jeremy discusses what it means to be an ROV navigator.

The Map Room (QuickTime, 5.2 Mb)
Listen to Jeremy describe how a photomosaic is used to determine degradation of the Titanic.

The 2004 Titanic Expedition (QuickTime, 4.9 Mb)
Jeremy descibes what preparation had to take place prior to this expedition and the amazing new high definition video images that were captured.

A Personal Note (QuickTime, 3.0 Mb)
"...follow your heart... there are a lot of adventures that make it [being a marine archaeologist] worthwhile..."

Biography

What is your actual title?

I am an officer with NOAA's Commissioned Corps, currently assigned to NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration, serving as their chief archaeologist. [Note: As of February 2006, Mr. Weirich has moved on from this position, though he is still with the NOAA Commissioned Corps.]

Where do you work?

I work at NOAA Headquarters in Silver Springs, Maryland, near Washington, DC.

Why are you interested in this particular area of study?

Despite the advancements in technology and global research, we still know very little about our oceans. Searching for lost shipwrecks and investigating unexplored areas is a rare opportunity to visit places where no one else has gone before. Uncovering our past can lead to a better understanding of our maritime heritage. Adding to, and in some cases changing, our historical record will have an important impact on future generations.

What sparked your initial interest in the marine world?

Regarding maritime archaeology, my initial interest came from my own family’s heritage. My great grandfather was a marine engineer when they were still transitioning from sail to steam. His son, my grandfather, was a merchant mariner and photographer. I recall some of the stories he told when I was growing up. The captivating photos, letters and paraphernalia he left behind detailed the exotic places he visited and the various people he met.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

It seems that the people who influenced my career the most were those who took the time to listen to what ideas interested me, and then helped guide me down the paths I needed to follow, regardless of their own preconceptions. They all understood that navigating down the river of life is sometimes difficult for a young person. They had the forethought, wisdom and, most importantly, patience to know that if they aimed me in the right direction, and gave me a push, knowing that I’d somehow find my way.

Do you travel often?

I travel quite often. As a NOAA Corps officer, I alternate my time on land and sea, switching three years on land and two years at sea. Typically, when I’m on a sea assignment, serving as a deck officer on one NOAA’s research vessels, I am usually away from home port for about nine months.

My current assignment as a marine archaeologist with NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration, is considered a land assignment, however I still travel quite a bit. Last year I was on assignment more than 160 days, which is unusual, but the projects I am involved in are highly interesting and exciting.

How did you get started in this career?

The fact is, no one just “becomes” a marine archeologist; it’s too obscure a field, and full-time employment rarely pops up. So, while I searched for an opening, I chose to gain more experience in skills and disciplines that I knew would help me out later.

The best example is the work I conducted as deck officer and hydrographer with NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey aboard the NOAA ship Whiting. I had some prior remote sensing experience, having worked with side scan sonars and remote operating vehicles throughout college, but it wasn’t until I joined the Whiting that I was able to advance my skills using the latest in remote sensing equipment. Without the guidance and help of the ship’s officers and crewmembers, I would not have been as prepared for the position I’m in now.

Tell us more about your research and the types of things you do.

As an marine archaeologist for NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration, I coordinate maritime heritage activities for the program. Since we concentrate on the initial phases of marine archaeology – investigation and discovery of shipwrecks - my hydrographic experience comes in handy. Hydrographers use remote sensing tools to explore the ocean floor and help create nautical charts for safe navigation. We can also use these tools to find lost shipwrecks and delineate prehistoric landscapes.

Helping other researchers find new shipwrecks is one step in the process of better understanding our maritime past. Managing remote sensing data and creating a useful inventory also help researchers learn more and better manage these sites. In some cases, these newly discovered shipwrecks need protection and preservation. I also work closely with other NOAA programs to help establish shipwreck policies with other federal and state agencies that best meet the needs of the public and communities.

What is the most fascinating thing you have ever seen or done?

Since my office supports exploration projects throughout the world, I had an opportunity to assist some amazing researchers and scientists. Some of my trips included exploring ancient wrecks in the Black Sea, surveying a German U-boat in 5000 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico, and diving around the wreck of Titanic, two-and-half miles underwater, in a three-person Russian submersible.

I also had the privilege to work on the USS Arizona, assisting the National Park Service in investigating the corrosion and environmental impact of the ship. I felt honored to work on such a sacred site.

What are the personal rewards of your work?

Shipwrecks are non-renewable marine resources, and once they are gone, they are gone forever. Not all shipwrecks are historically or archaeologically important, but some are, and they deserve to be protected, and in some case preserved, so that we can all learn more about the people and cultures that created them. Some of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had involve working with communities – both internationally and domestically – on how they can better manage their maritime heritage sites and become responsible stewards of their own resources.

What else could someone with your background do?

When I work on the projects that NOAA supports, I never have the same job twice. I have worked as a sonar data processor and manager, remote sensing equipment operator, hydrographer, diver, and deck officer.

What role did you have in the May 27 - June 12 2004 mission to the RMS Titanic?

For this mission I was the chief archaeologist. It was my responsibility to work with Dr. Robert Ballard, the expedition’s chief scientist, to ensure that Titanic is treated appropriately following The Guidelines for Research, Exploration and Salvage of RMS Titanic (9 pages, 104k). This expedition was strictly a “look, don’t touch” mission that used remote sensing tools, such as video and still images, to map the site and to uncover new scientific data on metallic degradation that could be applied to other shipwreck sites through the world. During the expedition, I helped acquire information that may be useful to the wreck’s historical record, and addressed archaeology inquires that came from the outside community.

I also served as a navigator for the ROV operations. We used two ROVs for this mission – Argus and Hercules. As a navigator, I needed to keep track of the ROVs, the research vessel Ron Brown, and the Titanic and their spatial relationship to each other. It was my job to make sure that the vehicles worked in a safe environment, and communicated to the ship’s bridge officers and the two ROV pilots, avoiding any potential hazardous situations.

What are the educational requirements for your job?

Someone who hopes to be a marine archaeologist full-time needs an advanced degree and experience working out in the field. They should also specialize in something unique, bringing a multidisciplinary aspect to their research.

What is the salary range?

As a NOAA Corps officer, my pay is strictly based on rank and time of service, similar to a lieutenant working on a Navy ship.

How many hours do you work?

Technically, as a commissioned officer I should be available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. In my current assignment, I work about 50-70 hours in any given week, but during expeditions, when the research vessels operate around the clock, I work designated watch schedules throughout the day.

Looking back, was there anything you would have done differently in your education or career journey?

I would have asked more questions as a child. I was fairly quiet and shy when I was growing up, and on several occasions, I missed the opportunity to learn more from some very amazing people around me because I didn’t speak up.

In general, though, you should ask all the questions you can when you’re young because no one really expects anything from you then. Ask questions until you understand the answers. When you get older, more and more people will expect you to know stuff. Suddenly people will be asking you questions.

And then, when you do become older, you should still ask questions. Continue to question the information that surrounds you so that you can make your own decisions. Remember, at one point in time, the Earth was considered flat and the moon was made of cheese.

What obstacles did you encounter along the way?

Never let money be an issue. It took me many loans, help from my family, and hard work to get through school and accomplish my goals, but I got there. I was fortunate to work with interesting people at an early age that helped me to persevere until I got to where I wanted to be.

What are your hobbies?

I love my job, and some of the fun tasks I conduct on a regular basis are what I choose to do during my free time too. These activities include traveling, scuba diving, and boating.

Do you have an inspirational message or quote?

You will find more opportunities in life if you strive to become well rounded and versatile. This means you must keep an open mind, be flexible, and be willing to try new things. Out of this will come tolerance, good judgment and a sense of perspective. Without these skills, you will find it hard to know when it’s OK to compromise and when you must take a stand.

(top)

Career Timeline

Interests in Elementary School:

Swimming, roller skating, airplanes, bugs, climbing trees.

Beginning of Interest in Marine Sciences:

Some of my earliest memories were of the town dock in Castine, Maine. The way people lived and worked on the water, it seemed to be apart of them. Without the ocean, I knew that I couldn’t catch a fish or travel on a boat. Then, when I was a child living in California, I put on a mask and snorkel and swam around the rocks and tidal areas. There was so much more below the surface. I was only splashing around in three feet of water, but it was as if I was visiting a completely new planet. I began to wonder what else was down there.

First Marine Science Class:

Introduction to Oceanography at Maine Maritime Academy

Degrees:

1996 – B.S. – Ocean Studies, with concentration in chemistry and minor in Humanities and Social Studies – Maine Maritime Academy
2000 – M.S. – Maritime Archaeology – University of Southampton, United Kingdom

First Career-related Job:

After my sophomore year in college, I worked as a summer intern in Maine searching for Revolutionary War wrecks. My job was to operate the small research boat and help with the sonar equipment. I didn’t know the first thing about searching for shipwrecks, but I paid attention and asked questions while trying not to crash the boat. I learned a great deal that summer.

Employment Journey/Career Transitions:

Age 16-18: Swimming instructor and lifeguard, Tustin, CA
Age 19-21: Emergency medical technician and crew chief, Castine, ME
Age 19: Boat driver and sonar operator, Penobscot Bay, ME
Age 20-21: Skin diving instructor, Catalina Island, CA
Age 21: Emergency medical technician, Bangor, ME
Age 22: Environmental chemist, Detroit, MI
Age 24–26: NOAA Corps Officer – serving as a deck officer and hydrographer aboard the NOAA Ship Whiting
Age 26–present: NOAA Corps Officer – serving as a maritime archaeologist for NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration

Career Transitions:

I cannot see myself doing the same job for the rest of my life, no matter how much I happen to enjoy it. Life is too short to stay in one spot, doing the same thing all the time, especially when there’s so much out there to discovery and experience. I’ve found that for every new job I try and every new group of people I work with, I inevitable learn something new about myself.

(top)

E-mail Updates \| User Survey \| Report Error \| Site Index \| Contact Us \| Disclaimer Revised November 06, 2009 \| Web Site Owner: NOAA, Office of Ocean Exploration and Research National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration \| U.S. Department of Commerce
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/edu/oceanage/04weirich/welcome.html

Marine Archaeologist

Biography

Career Timeline

Related Ocean Explorer Content