Southern OceanEXPLORATION
Get involved

Join the team

In-water, on-water and on land: there's a role for everyone who shares our passion for maritime history.

Southern Ocean Exploration (SOE) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to locating and recording historic shipwrecks across Southern Australian waters.

Whether you are an experienced technical diver, a sonar operator, a maritime historian, or someone passionate about researching lost history, we are interested to hear from you.

In-Water Team

For divers focused on survey, documentation, and 3D modelling.

  • What You’ll Do: Explore target sites, measure seabed features, and take high-resolution photo sequences to build 3D models (photogrammetry) of wreck sites for heritage protection and public education.
  • What We Look For:

On-Water Team

For boaters, sonar operators, and search crew.

  • What You’ll Do: Map search grids, operate side-scan sonar and magnetometers to find seabed anomalies, and manage deck and surface support during diving operations.
  • What We Look For:
    • Boating experience or marine tickets
    • Interest or skills in side-scan sonar, GPS mapping, or GIS.
    • Familiarity with surface search principles or general sea-deck safety.

Land Team

For researchers, history buffs, and digital volunteers.

  • What You’ll Do: Uncover the stories behind missing ships. You'll search historical newspaper archives, build target search zones, process 3D photogrammetry models, and help write site reports for state heritage bodies.
  • What We Look For:
    • Strong research, library, or archival skills (e.g., Trove, public registers).
    • AIMA/NAS training (classroom/online modules) or background in history/archaeology.
    • Skills in digital media, grant writing, or data management.

Interested?

Get in touch with our founder to talk about how you can contribute.

Contact us