Frequently Asked Questions
About Global Xploration
What does Global Xploration do?
Global Xploration is a marine exploration company working in three areas: historic shipwreck search and recovery, subsea mineral exploration, and design-build engineering of the tools that make deep-water work possible. Our projects range from early research and survey through field operations, documentation, and reporting.
Where is Global Xploration based?
We based in Arkansas and have operations in Miami, Florida. Project work takes place wherever the site is, and our current and proposed projects span the Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asian waters.
Who leads the company?
Global Xploration is founder-led. Cooper Wade, PhD, MEng, MBA-SE, directs the company's strategy, engineering, and project development, and is personally involved in every project from planning through completion. Clients and partners work directly with the decision-maker rather than through layers of account management.
How are your project teams structured?
Like many firms in marine exploration and offshore engineering, we build a dedicated team for each project. Global Xploration provides project leadership, planning, engineering, and oversight, and engages qualified specialists for the work each project requires. Depending on the project, that can include vessel operators, commercial divers, ROV pilots, survey and geophysical technicians, maritime archaeologists, conservators, environmental consultants, and legal advisors in the relevant country.
This model means every team is built around the specific site, depth, permits, and objectives involved, rather than around whoever happens to be on payroll.
How long has Global Xploration been operating?
Global Xploration has been operating since 2010, beginning as Aurelia Enterprises Inc.
Are you hiring? Can specialists work with you?
We are always interested in hearing from experienced professionals, including vessel operators, divers, ROV pilots, surveyors, archaeologists, conservators, and engineers. Send a short introduction and your credentials or CV through our Contact page. We keep qualified specialists on file and reach out when a project matches their expertise.
Shipwrecks and Artifacts
Is shipwreck exploration and recovery legal?
It can be, when it is carried out under the right authority. The rules depend on where a wreck lies and what it is. Wrecks in a nation's territorial waters are usually governed by that country's heritage and salvage laws. Sunken warships and other state vessels are often protected by their flag nation. Some countries follow international agreements on underwater cultural heritage. In U.S. waters, federal and state laws, and in some cases admiralty courts, determine who may recover material.
Global Xploration does not conduct recovery operations without the permits, licenses, or agreements required by the governing jurisdiction. Before any field work begins, we research the legal status of the site and the vessel.
Who owns artifacts recovered from a shipwreck?
Ownership depends on the jurisdiction, the vessel's history, and any agreements with governments or prior owners. In many cases the state, the flag nation, or an original owner holds rights. In others, a court or permit determines how recovered material is divided. Ownership is settled as part of the legal and permitting process for each project, before recovery begins.
What happens to artifacts after recovery?
Every recovered item is documented in place before it is moved, then recorded, photographed, and catalogued. Material that needs stabilization is conserved, since objects from salt water can deteriorate quickly once exposed to air. Final disposition follows the terms of the governing permit or agreement and may include transfer to a government, museum, or research institution. Global Xploration manages a large repository of thousands of artifacts in-house.
Do you work with archaeologists?
Yes. Projects involving historic wrecks or cultural material are planned to include qualified maritime archaeologists, and their documentation standards guide how sites are recorded and how material is handled. Careful documentation is what turns a recovery into knowledge, not just objects.
I know the location of a shipwreck. Can I bring it to you?
Yes, and we welcome credible leads. Start with a general description through our Contact page, without exact coordinates or confidential details. If the lead is a good fit, we can sign a mutual non-disclosure agreement before you share specifics. Please see Section 5 of our Terms of Use for how unsolicited submissions are handled.
Can you search for a specific shipwreck or lost object for us?
We accept commissioned search and survey projects from governments, institutions, companies, and private clients. Each begins with a feasibility review covering historical research, the likely search area, water depth, legal status, and cost. Contact us with a description of what you are looking for and what is already known.
Do you dive on or disturb war graves?
No. Wrecks that are recognized war graves or protected military vessels are treated as off limits unless a governing authority has specifically requested or authorized our involvement for documentation or protection.
Minerals and Resources
What kinds of minerals do you explore for?
Our mineral work focuses on resources important to agriculture, energy storage, and modern technology. These include seabed phosphate, polymetallic nodules containing cobalt, nickel, and manganese, and gold-bearing marine sediments.
Are your mineral projects producing today?
Our mineral projects are in exploration and evaluation. This stage involves sampling, testing, and assessing whether a resource is technically, environmentally, and economically viable. Any move toward extraction depends on regulatory approval in the jurisdiction involved.
How do you approach environmental responsibility?
We treat environmental review as part of the work, not an obstacle to it. Mineral projects begin with baseline studies of the site, and we follow the environmental requirements of each host country and, where applicable, international authorities. Seabed resource regulation is still developing in many parts of the world, and we expect to meet the standards that emerge.
Do you work with host governments and local communities?
Yes. Offshore resources belong to the nations whose waters they lie in, and projects proceed only through the appropriate government agencies. Where local communities depend on the marine environment, we aim to engage with them early.
Technology and Engineering
What is Project Zugzwang?
Zugzwang is Global Xploration's in-house subsea platform development program. It focuses on robotics, autonomy, and modular systems designed for search and recovery in demanding conditions. Technical details are not published while development and intellectual property work are under way.
Why build your own equipment?
Less than 10 percent of the world's oceans have been explored in detail, and off-the-shelf equipment is not always suited to the conditions we work in. Designing our own systems lets us match tools to the site rather than the other way around, and it builds capability that carries from one project to the next.
What depths do you work at?
Project depths range from shallow coastal sites to deep-water operations. Expedition Recon, for example, is focused on search and recovery beyond 1,000 feet. The equipment and team for each project are chosen for its depth and conditions.
Do you offer engineering services to other companies?
Yes, for specific scenarios. Our design-build engineering work covers subsea equipment, deployment and recovery systems, and custom tools for marine operations. Contact us with your requirements to discuss scope, timeline, and confidentiality.
Partnerships and Investment
How can my organization partner with Global Xploration?
We work with governments, research institutions, museums, vessel operators, technology companies, and other exploration firms. Partnerships can involve joint projects, technical collaboration, survey support, or research sharing. Use the Contact page to describe your organization and what you have in mind.
Do you sign non-disclosure agreements?
Yes. We routinely use mutual NDAs before discussing sensitive project details, site locations, or proprietary technology, and we expect the same discretion from partners.
Can I invest in Global Xploration or one of its projects?
Nothing on this website is an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any investment. Global Xploration also invests in and collaborates with operators and founders who share our approach to exploration. Organizations or qualified individuals interested in a strategic relationship may contact us. Any such discussion takes place privately, under written agreements and in compliance with applicable securities laws.
Does Global Xploration guarantee results?
No responsible exploration firm can. Every project carries real uncertainty about what lies on the seabed, weather and sea conditions, and regulatory outcomes. What we commit to is disciplined research, careful planning, honest reporting, and doing the work properly.
Media and Research
How do journalists and producers contact you?
Send media, documentary, and interview requests through our Contact page with "Media" in your message. Please include your outlet, topic, and deadline.
Can I use photos or video from your website?
Not without permission. Content on this site is owned by Global Xploration or used under license. Contact us to request approved images for editorial use.
Do you share findings with researchers and the public?
Where permits, partners, and confidentiality obligations allow, we aim to share findings through reports, academic partners, and updates on this site. Historical knowledge is part of the value of the work.
GlobalX Shop
Who makes GlobalX gear?
Our apparel and accessories are produced by trusted print-on-demand and fulfillment partners. Many items are made to order, which reduces waste and keeps our range broad.
How long does shipping take?
Typical production time is about 5 business days with around 2 weeks for shipping.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, which may have additional fees. International customers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, or import fees.
Contact and Privacy
What is the best way to reach Global Xploration?
The Contact page is the fastest route for project, partnership, and media inquiries. You can also email info@globalxploration.com or call +1 (305) 330-2440. Our office address is 3000 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 210A, Miami, FL 33137.
How quickly will I hear back?
We aim to respond to inquiries within 10 business days. Response times may be longer while field operations are under way. Not all inquiries will receive a response.
How do you handle my personal information?
We collect only what we need to respond to you, fulfill orders, and send updates you request, and we do not sell personal information. See our Privacy Policy for details.
Questions or Concerns?
Get in touch through the form below.