Cite this as: James, A. and Austin, B. 2026 Cultural immersion into maritime heritage: Our experiences in using maritime heritage to enhance wellbeing, Internet Archaeology 73. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.73.3
This paper examines how engagement with maritime heritage can enhance individual and community wellbeing. Drawing on multiple projects undertaken by MSDS Marine, the authors demonstrate that participation in heritage activities—whether through volunteering, education, or professional practice—fosters connection, confidence, and a sense of purpose that positively influence mental health.
A series of case studies illustrate the tangible benefits of such engagement. The Y Heritage Make a Splash project trained disadvantaged young people in diving and maritime archaeology, improving their confidence, employability, and mental wellbeing. Collaboration with the South West Maritime Archaeology Group (SWMAG) revealed how long-term volunteering sustains community, purpose, and intergenerational knowledge exchange among older participants. Additional initiatives, including Landlocked and Looking Out and Diving into the Digital Archives, extended public engagement to inland regions and digital spaces, addressing social isolation and broadening access to heritage. Finally, workplace wellbeing within the maritime heritage sector is examined, discussing MSDS Marine’s trial of a four-day work week, which improved staff work-life balance, mental health, and productivity.
The paper reveals how maritime heritage engagement provides multidimensional value—preserving cultural knowledge while promoting psychological and social wellbeing. It advocates embedding wellbeing objectives into heritage project design, positioning maritime heritage as both a cultural and therapeutic resource that connects people meaningfully with the past and supports healthier, more resilient communities.
Corresponding author: Alison James
[email protected]
MSDS Marine
Beccy Austin
[email protected]
MSDS Marine
Figure 1: A participant in the Y Heritage Project learns about diving in the classroom before they head underwater. © MSDS Marine.
Figure 2: Jimmy McKinnon describing how his placement at MSDS Marine inspired him in his life outside of diving and archaeology. © MSDS Marine.
Figure 3: Jimmy McKinnon, Alison James, Malcolm Noonan T.D. and Juliet Martin at the Archaeology Achievement Awards in Dublin. © MSDS Marine.
Figure 4: Longstanding members of the SWMAG team preparing new members to dive a protected wreck site. © MSDS Marine.
Figure 5: Volunteers from the original SWMAG team alongside the MSDS Marine team who have helped to secure a future for the team by helping to find new members. © MSDS Marine.
Figure 6: Members of SWMAG, no longer able to dive, but sharing their knowledge and passing on their legacy to the next generation. © MSDS Marine.
Figure 7: Ron Howell describes how his life has been enriched by the friendships and experiences he has had as a volunteer in the SWMAG team. © MSDS Marine.
Figure 8: Members of the public handling archaeological objects during an outreach event. © MSDS Marine.
Figure 9: Volunteers undertaking 3D recording of artefacts from the Earl of Abergavenny. © Portland Museum.
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