I worked for the State of Florida as a Marine Salvage Officer 1967-1969.  We were charged with protecting sunken ships off the coast of Florida.  We were required to be aboard authorized vessels salvaging or searching for sunken ships and treasure.   Much of my time was spent in the area between Ft. Pierce and Sebastian, FL working on the remains of the 1715 treasure fleet.  Also worked on the 1733 treasure wreck San Jose in the Florida keys as well as a few other obscure wrecks.  I spent considerable time with Mel Fisher of Atocha fame and Kip Wagner's Real 8 crew, working various 1715 fleet wrecks.

Picture taken aboard the Virgalona (Mel Fishers boat) in the spring of 1967.  A picture of me and Mel Fisher can be found in the book "Diving for Glory" (by Carol Shaughnessy), on page 20.  Both pictures were taken on the same trip.

Aboad salvage vessel Derelict on the Cabin wreck near Sebastian, FL, 1967?   Me, Terry Armstrong and John DeBry.  This picture appears in book "The Rainbow Chasers" by Tommy Gore as told to Terry Armstrong.  Lately, Dr. John Debry was an archeologist working with Barry Clifford on the wreck Whydah off Cape Cod. 

Me, Capt Bob Johnson M/V Derelict likely transiting Sebastian Inlet.  We usually went in the wheelhouse when in the inlet since there was no other place to hang on during the normally rough ride.

Tommy Gore, Terry Armstrong, me, 2008, Orlando, FL.