Traditional underwater archaeology relies on divers working in grids to carefully recover artifacts layer by layer. Though effective, this method is slow, limited by visibility and time, and risks damaging fragile structures. For Nanhai One, these challenges led to the groundbreaking decision to raise the entire wreck intact.

Sun Jian, "Sails leave traces on the waves - Archaeology of 'Nanhai No. 1'" Lecture 27.7.2019. https://www.chinasilkmuseum.com/jz/info_15.aspx?itemid=27681