Capt. Dan Berg's Wreck Valley Collection   

Shipwreck Salvage LAWS
By Capt. Dan Berg

In recent years archaeologists have fought to restrict divers from diving on and removing artifacts from shipwrecks. New laws have been passed to protect historically significant wrecks and I'm sure we can expect additional legislation. The underwater archaeologist contends that recreational divers and treasure hunters destroy shipwrecks and sometimes do not preserve the artifacts they recover. They want to have control over all wrecks and then limit our access to them. In fact, I was recently told by the director of a marine museum in Bermuda that he could not supply me with any historical information because he did not want recreational divers to dive the wrecks. My feelings on this subject are very strong, so without going into detail, I would like to say that many museums have also left their historically significant artifacts to decay without any preservation, and many archaeologists are presently working on shipwreck sites that were originally located by recreational divers or treasure hunters. I also believe that leaving an artifact on a wreck does not insure its survival. For example, I have seen objects which unfortunately I couldn't get close enough to retrieve such as portholes and china bowls get crushed after a storm or corrosion collapsed a bulk head. I also feel that treasure hunters and recreational divers are an invaluable source of information. These divers are in the water every weekend and know not only the location and layout of many wrecks but were also responsible for their identification. Archaeologists do not have the funding or time to explore all of the shipwrecks sport divers regularly dive on, and I hope that the two sides can one day work together rather than against each other. Anyone who recovers an artifact should only do so if he is willing to preserve that artifact. Divers should also display their treasures for all to see and enjoy. Displays can be set up at local museums, libraries, and dive shops.

Before removing artifacts from a wreck, please check the salvage laws and antiquity protection laws in your area. Each state may have different laws pertaining to the recovery of artifacts that fall into the antiquity classification. Many times a sunken vessel may not be legally abandoned by the owner. Removing artifacts would be illegal. Believe me, it is important to be knowledgeable in local laws before salvaging a shipwreck.

 

The Shipwreck Diving E-Book  Instant Downloadable E-Book  Shipwreck Diving, by Capt. Dan Berg is a complete how to book about the sport of wreck diving. This book is packed with information and heavily illustrated with over 80 sensational color photographs.

All photographs, sketches, images and text

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