The text explores Chatterton’s background. Raised in Long Island, he escaped a middle-class but emotionally volatile family through his fascination with the ocean. His grandfather commanded submarines in the 1930s and led battleships during World War II, reinforcing his fascination with seafaring and history. In addition, his grandfather displayed a deep personal ethic, speaking about his fellow crew members with respect and visiting the families of fallen crew members to emphasize their value to him.

During the Vietnam War, Chatterton enlisted in the US Army to become a medic, a choice that the US Navy did not offer. Like his grandfather, Chatterton cultivated the respect of his fellow soldiers through his courage. Required to rush to wounded soldiers and get them quickly to safety, Chatterton developed a calm head and the ability to think clearly in chaos.

After the war, Chatterton had trouble adjusting to civilian life. He drifted from job to job, trying to find a sense of purpose like he had during the war. He eventually landed on scallop fishing, a job that required a boat to dredge the ocean floor. Dredging pulled up debris and artifacts to which scallops had attached themselves. Fishing provided a good income, but Chatterton became fascinated by the other things they pulled from the sea.