Tue Jul 05, 2005 11:58 pm
Wed Jul 06, 2005 8:52 am
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Underwater Archaeology Branch
Do I Need a Permit?
Related Resources:
Application Guidelines for Archeological Research Permits on Ship and Aircraft Wrecks Under the Jurisdicition of the Department of the Navy (36 CFR 4 Part 767)
Policy Fact Sheet on Sunken Naval Vessels and Naval Aircraft
Legal Agreements Regarding the Navy's Historic Wrecks
Generally, Department of Navy (DON) ship and aircraft wrecks will be left in place unless artifact removal or site disturbance is justified and necessary to protect DON ship aircraft wrecks, to conduct research, or provide public education and information. While the Naval Historical center (NHC) prefers non-destructive, in situ research on DON ship and aircraft wrecks, it recognizes that site disturbance and/or artifact recovery is sometimes necessary. At such times, site disturbance and/or archaeological recovery may be permitted, subject to conditions specified by NHC. The diving public is strongly encouraged to report Navy sites to the NHC.
Situations where a permit would be required:
Any plans to disturb a wreck site, in any way, using any means.
Removing or moving sediment is considered disturbing a wreck site.
Removing or moving artifacts or any portion of a wreck site is considered disturbing a wreck site.
Removing the entire wreck is considered disturbing a wreck site
Photographing human remains on a war grave site
Archaeological study of a shipwreck site.
Situations where a permit would not be required.
Sport diving on a site as long as nothing about the site is disturbed.
Remote sensing over a site as long as nothing about the site is disturbed.
Photographing a site as long as human remains are not depicted.
Federal law prohibits the theft or damage of government property. To avoid unintentional infractions, or for clarification of policies and procedures, please contact the Underwater Archaeology Branch of the Naval Historical Center for more information.
Underwater Archaeology Branch
Naval Historical Center
805 Kidder Breese Street, SE
Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374
202-433-2210
Wed Jul 06, 2005 10:57 am
Wed Jul 06, 2005 8:45 pm
Wed Jul 06, 2005 10:48 pm
Mon Jul 11, 2005 1:15 pm