Page 233 - Manual for Activities directed at the Underwater Cultural Heritage

principle needs careful consideration. To document excavation effectively, it is essential to record sites, features and finds accurately and comprehensively. All artefacts should be given equal weight whether they are wooden wreck parts, gold coins or antique amphorae, since they provide equal information about the past, and since it is their spatial interrelationship that counts. That, and the careful dissection and preparation of excavation plans and sections, is very labour intensive.
Whatever the documentation methods chosen, the actual documentation will consist of computer-data sets, plans and sections, as well as photographs, drawings and illustrations, recording forms, log- books, site notebooks, diaries, dive logs, etc. Original data and field records should be maintained in a manner that permits independent interpretation insofar as possible. This means that the archive should be structured in such a way that the results are verifiable, for the principal researcher as well as for others. Record-keeping other than field notes should therefore be standardized in format and level of detail. Choices for certain methodologies must be explained, both for independent interpretation and for the periodical progress of the project. Obviously, that explanation will include a discussion of cost- effectiveness relative to other methods.
Onsite observations
Primary observations and data are very important. It is good practice in archaeology to keep field- notes and diaries. Systematic field notes in small
© Ships of Discovery.Diver photographing a Japanese Jake seaplane in Saipan Common- wealth of Northern Mariana Islands.
When taking photographs, divers should be careful to avoid contact with the wreck or ruin site as many objects are fragile regardless of their size. Improper techniques while taking photos under water can damage sensitive site ele- ments and harm fragile objects with the bump of a camera or tank, swipe of a fin or even the touch of a hand. As camera systems add weight and are buoyant, divers should make sure that their equipment is secured and properly weighted to avoid contact damage.
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Documentation