58 - Jim Delgado, Maritime Archaeologist, Preservationist, and Writer

Today, we have Jim Delgado on the show. As a maritime archaeologist who works around the globe, Jim has spent decades in the fascinating world of underwater exploration. From diving in the shallows to supervising some of the most cutting-edge modern expeditions that have spanned the seven seas, Jim is known as a respected, passionate leader who’s prime directive is helping keep maritime archaeology alive and accessible to everyone.

During his 44-year career, he has been privileged to host the popular television show The Sea Hunters for five years. He was Executive Director of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for 15 years, and was Executive Director and then President of the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA) from 2006-2010, before beginning his tenure as Director of the Maritime Heritage Program for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries from 2010-2017. In May 2017, Jim became Senior Vice President of SEARCH, Inc. where he will continue to advance the discipline and bring more history and archaeology alive for scholars and the public alike. Jim is the author, co-author or editor of over 33 books as well as numerous articles and archaeological reports covering a wide range of subjects related to the histories of shipwrecks. I discovered him doing research on the Gold Rush in the bay area and was fascinated by his work. This conversation definitely wanders through Jim’s expertise and experience to fascinating places.