Page 77 - Manual for Activities directed at the Underwater Cultural Heritage
P. 77

 In case of emergencies:
• Rule 13 provides for flexibility
• It specifically addresses
o site stabilization
o conservation measures
o activities of short duration
• Think first, act second
• Check the aspects listed in Rule 10
When emergencies recur:
• Develop a strategy for emergencies, including o action plans
o model project designs
• Develop a strategy for discovery in planning
and development
• Target sites under development in research
strategies
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The recurrent nature of ‘cases of urgency or chance discoveries’ is a good reason to develop general strategies including action plans for specific kinds of contingencies. With such a strategy, one can have ‘action’ or ‘project’ designs in place even before the occurrence. The same is true in relationship to dis- coveries in the context of planning and development. If anticipated, such discoveries are an asset rather than an impediment. Research strategies can target such heritage under stress in preference to sites that can be preserved ‘in situ’.
Responses to cases of urgency can vary. Two examples of emergencies and associated response options may be given:
- Storm damage: most underwater sites are rela- tively immune to storm damage. In many cases this is part of the normal process by which sites are formed. However, in cases where unusual damage is suspected, immediate responses may include:
- An immediate visual inspection by divers, cameras or remote sensing equipment to accurately record and assess the existence or extent of damage. This documentation may be all that is necessary but should be followed up with a written report and archival storage of the documentation;
Project Design














































































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