There is a wealth of information for both beginning and advanced wreck divers packed into this comprehensive volume. Some of the topics covered are types of ships and how they deteriorate; researching and finding shipwrecks; methods of actually searching for a wreck; specialized equipment and predive preparation; what to look for and expect in acharter boat; diving the wreck with special emphasis on hazards and navigation; clues to use for identifying a wreck; artifact recovery, conservation and legal considerations; special techniques of photographing wrecks. Also includes a section on the contribution wreck diving makes to our understanding of maritime history. Covered in the appendices are lists of research sources in the United States and overseas. Written in an engaging style with an ample use of the author's first hand experiences.