Page 73 - Manual for Activities directed at the Underwater Cultural Heritage

Environment
Any activity directed at underwater cultural heritage intrudes in an alien environment. Excavation entails the disturbance of sediments and of site content. As with a dredging programme this may affect the surrounding eco- logy or produce physical instability. Excavation can increase silt within the water column or release toxins from a wreck or the sediment. An environmental management plan should be required as a matter of policy by the competent authority to ensure that these matters are fully addressed. See Rule 29
Collaboration with mu- seums and other institu- tions
Sites of underwater cultural heritage are
typically highly complex and include many aspects of public and academic interest. Collaboration is the key to maximising both the expertise and the information that can be gained from these sites. Museums specialise in making artefacts and scientific information accessible to the public. Universities and other institutions focus on scientific research and training. Cultural heritage agencies develop policies and procedures that provide cohesive, coordinated and consistent site management for overall public benefit. The project design should indicate how effective collaboration with existing institutions will be achieved. See Rules 32 - 34
Report preparation
Well-structured project reports need to provide a thorough record of the project and address all aspects of the authorized Project Design. The project report will be an important source of information for any future decisions concerning the site, as well as for future scientific analysis and synthesis. It is therefore important that the report be as factual as
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© Syddansk Universitet. Standby diver.
Safety should be addressed in every project design. Each part of equipment and each activity have their particular safety issues.All projects that include diving opera- tions will require a standby diver. The standby diver need not be equipped with the same equip- ment as the primary diver but shall have equivalent depth and operational capabilities.
Project Design