Vol. I: The Beginning gives the reader descriptions and photos of the areas ARS (Anchor Research & Salvage) investigated while seeking out the best location to request as a lease (concession) from the Dominican Government for the purpose of surveying and salvaging (rescuing) shipwrecks. The authors traveled around the island diving and investigating leads gained from their research and also from local residents. They selected an undisclosed part of the south side of the island. The book goes into the techniques and equipment used for survey and salvage, and also the artifacts that are often found on old shipwrecks, and how they may help discover information about the wreck.