Marine Archaeology - Relevant guidance & best practice
Over the past five years there has been a significant increase in the number of available documents which set out guidance and best practice for the marine and coastal zone. These do not replace requirements under PPG16, PPG20 and the EIA Directive, but they do provide a structure within which marine and coastal development lead work can be undertaken.
The Joint Nautical Archaeology Policy Committee (JNAPC) Code of Practice for Seabed Development (2006)
In 1995 the JNAPC published a Code of Practice for Seabed Developers with the aim of defining best practice in terms of co-operation and discussion between archaeologists and seabed developers. Although this was revised in 1998, significant changes have since taken place in the use, legislation and knowledge of the marine environment since this time, consequently a revised (JNAPC) Code of Practice was published in June 2006.
The new code builds on the principles set out in the original Code and offers guidance to developers on issues such as risk management and legislative implications. A list of contacts for further advice is also provided. The code also highlights the responsibility of developers in protecting the UK’s marine heritage. While the general principles can be applied throughout the UK, specific arrangements for consultation may vary.
Download from: http://www.jnapc.org.uk/jnapc_brochure_may_2006.pdf.
Marine Aggregate Dredging and the Historic Environment: Guidance Note, 2003
Provides practical guidelines on assessing, evaluating, mitigating and monitoring archaeological impacts of marine aggregate dredging in English marine waters. The principles outlined apply throughout the UK Continental Shelf although, a range of specific arrangements apply in respect of marine aggregate dredging in Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish waters.
Download from: http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/marine/bmapa/pdf/BMAPA-EH-Guidance-Note-April-2003.pdf.
Protocol for Reporting Finds of Archaeological Interest, 2003
This protocol was developed by British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA) and English Heritage for dealing with archaeological finds being made by members of staff employed by aggregate dredging companies. The protocol deals with the reporting of finds made by staff on board dredging vessels, and at wharves.
Download from: http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/marine/bmapa/protocol_documentation/protocol_text.pdf.
Historic Environment Guidance Note for the Offshore Renewable Energy Sector: Guidance Note, 2006
This guidance note was produced for the Collaborative Offshore Windfarm Research into the Environment (COWRIE/ Wessex Archaeology 2006). This guidance note promotes best practice in relation to the marine historic environment for the offshore renewable energy sector. It promotes understanding of the conservation issues arising from the impacts of such projects on the historic environment.
Download from: http://www.offshorewind.co.uk/downloads/archaeo_guidance.pdf.
This guidance note has been followed up with the production of a document titled ‘Guidance for Assessment of Cumulative Impacts on the Historic Environment from Offshore Renewable Energy’. This document is currently in draft format, consultation closed in July 07, but the draft document can be downloaded from: http://www.offshorewindfarms.co.uk/Downloads/COWRIECIARCHReportConsultationDraft.pdf.
Ports: the impact of development on the maritime historic environment, 2006
Is intended to inform developers on the importance and relevance of the historic environment in relation to ports and how development proposals should take this into account. The main focus is on the marine aspect of new developments, but also deals with the development of existing ports and inland impacts of development. It provides references for useful policy documents.
Download from: http://www.helm.org.uk/upload/pdf/Ports-policy.pdf.
IFA Standard and Guidance for Nautical Archaeological Recording and Reconstruction (final version forthcoming, draft available)
The document has been designed to add to the IFA S&G series which are used as benchmarks for archaeological best practice. This S&G is a response to the increased frequency of ship and boat finds being discovered and investigated. It is designed as a high-level document that sets down standard for levels of recording within which specific strategies for individual sites and situations can be developed. The document will also aid curatorial responses to discoveries of nautical remains, which in the past have been dealt with on an ad-hoc basis.
Understanding Historic Ships (final version forthcoming, draft available)
The relatively newly establish ‘National Historic Ships’ – a public body reporting to DCMS – is drafting a number of documents related to Historic Ships. These are relevant to archaeological sites and hulked vessels. A document recently out for consultation ‘Understanding Historic Ships’ is due for full publication imminently. This includes advice on how to record historic vessels and what to do when historic vessels come to the end of their lives. Visit www.nhsc.org.uk for details.
Source: Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology
