Page 313 - Manual for Activities directed at the Underwater Cultural Heritage

Submerged archaeological sites are increasingly exposed to damage by inexperienced or unaware divers. To ensure a worldwide respect for submerged heritage by individual divers the promotion of a Code of Ethics is essential in order to set a common standard.
The States Parties to the 2001 Convention and the Scientific and Technical Advisory Body of the 2001 Convention fully endorse the UNESCO Code of Ethics for Diving on Submerged Archaeological Sites.
UNESCO Code of Ethics for Diving on Submerged Archaeological Sites
1. Protect underwater cultural heritage for future generations.
2. Leave wrecks and submerged ruins untouched.
3. Obey legal protection of archaeological sites.
4. Seek permission to dive on designated sites.
5. Only archaeologists may remove objects.
6. Do not take souvenirs.
7. Respect measures that protect sites.
8. Report discoveries to the responsible authorities.
9. Hand over objects that you took.
10. Do not sell our common heritage.
11. Document discovered sites.
12. Be careful when taking photographs.
13. Stay safe.
14. Be a role model.
15. Support ratification and compliance with the UNESCO 2001 Convention on
the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.
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Sport divers
Because of their existing interest in the underwater world, sport divers are a prime target for outreach. In most cases, the local diving community will be well aware of the underwater cultural heritage in their area and will be extremely interested in the research. Through the incorporation of information on cultural resources into the existing and effective education about submerged natural resources, divers can be taught to recognize the underwater cultural heritage as part of the marine environment and deserving of the same respect and preservation. Moreover, engaging divers at an early stage of the project and making sure to keep them informed will help prevent misinformation, unpleasant confrontations, and hard feelings, and will help promote cooperation, stewardship, and protection. Divers often become valuable volunteer members of the research team, offering hours of labour, important local information,
Dissemination