The Shipwreck Decoder

The Shipwreck Decoder: A Handbook for Divers and Maritime Enthusiasts transforms the way readers see and understand the underwater world. This practical and beautifully illustrated guide reveals how to ‘read’ shipwrecks as historical artefacts, decoding their structure, technology, and stories.

Covering vessels from ancient times to the Cold War, Ashton East explains how to identify key components – from hull forms and propulsion systems to weapons and navigational instruments – and place them in their wider historical and technological contexts. The book bridges diving experience and maritime archaeology, teaching readers how to interpret what they see underwater and enrich their understanding of the wrecks they explore.

With over 400 original illustrations, The Shipwreck Decoder makes complex engineering and naval architecture accessible to all, offering practical value for divers and maritime enthusiasts alike. Compact yet comprehensive, it is an indispensable reference for anyone curious about the silent stories lying on the seabed.

Praise for The Shipwreck Decoder

“A wonderfully useful book … written and illustrated with great clarity.” – David Gibbins, Maritime Archaeologist and bestselling author

“A mainstay in every diver’s library.” – Mark Beattie-Edwards, CEO, Nautical Archaeology Society

“A fantastic book … a primer to ‘read’ wrecks with ease and understanding.” – Giles Richardson, COO, Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust

About the Author

Ashton East is an accomplished technical diver and underwater photographer with decades of experience exploring shipwrecks worldwide. His analytical approach, honed through a career in law and a passion for nautical archaeology, brings clarity and insight to the complex world of underwater exploration.