Guidelines for Research, Exploration and Salvage of RMS Titanic
[Federal Register: June 2, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 107)]
[Notices]
[Page 35326-35331]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02jn00-43]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[Docket No. 000526158-0158-01]
RIN 0648-XA52
Guidelines for Research, Exploration and Salvage of RMS Titanic
AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of
Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed guidelines; notice of hearing; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: These proposed guidelines have been developed for future
research on, exploration of, and if appropriate, salvage of RMS
Titanic. As mandated by the RMS Titanic Maritime Memorial Act of 1986
(Act), the proposed guidelines were developed in consultation with the
United Kingdom, France, Canada and others. The broad and diverse public
interest in RMS Titanic was also considered in developing the proposed
guidelines. While the proposed guidelines set forth a preferred policy
of in situ preservation of RMS Titanic, they also set forth the
parameters for the research, recovery and conservation of RMS Titanic
artifacts for the benefit of the public. Comments are requested on
these proposed guidelines. NOAA also specifically requests comments
from interested members of academia and research institutions.
DATES: Comments on this proposal must be received at the appropriate
address (See ADDRESSES) by 5:00 P.M. on July 3, 2000; public hearing,
June 15, 2000, 9:30 A.M.; requests to present oral testimony must be
received on or before June 13, 2000.
ADDRESSES: Comments on these proposed guidelines and requests to
present oral testimony at the hearing should be sent to NOAA, 1305
East-West Highway, SSMC IV, Suite 11515, Silver Spring, MD 20910;
attention Titanic guidelines comments. Comments may also be sent via a
facsimile (fax) to (301) 713-0404. The hearing will be held in Room
4830 of the Department of Commerce Hoover Building, 1401 Constitution
Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20230.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig McLean, (301) 713-3125 ext. 151,
or Ole Varmer, (301) 713-2967 ext 211.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: These proposed guidelines are issued under
the authority of the RMS Titanic Maritime Memorial Act of 1986 (Act).
Section 5(a) of the Act directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) to enter into consultations with the United
Kingdom, France, Canada and others to develop international guidelines
for research on, exploration of, and if appropriate, salvage of RMS
Titanic. The guidelines are to (1) be consistent with the national and
international scientific, cultural, and historical significance of RMS
Titanic and the purposes of the Act, and (2) promote the safety of
individuals involved in such operations.
The purposes of the Act are to: (1) Encourage international efforts
to designate RMS Titanic as an international maritime memorial to those
who lost their lives aboard the ship in 1912; (2) direct the United
States to enter into negotiations with other
[[Page 35327]]
interested nations to establish an international agreement that
provides for designation of RMS Titanic as an international maritime
memorial, and protects the scientific, cultural, and historical
significance of RMS Titanic; (3) encourage, in those negotiations or in
other fora, the development and implementation of international
guidelines for conducting research on, exploration of, and if
appropriate, salvage of RMS Titanic; and (4) express the sense of the
United States Congress that, pending such international agreement or
guidelines, no person should physically alter, disturb, or salvage RMS
Titanic.
The Act directs NOAA to consult with the Secretary of State (DOS)
and promote full participation by other interested Federal agencies,
academic and research institutions, and members of the public with
respect to how exploration and research should be conducted, and
whether and under what conditions salvage of RMS Titanic should occur.
NOAA and DOS have consulted with representatives of these interested
groups in the course of developing these proposed guidelines. Public
comment on the proposed guidelines should prove helpful in developing
the final guidelines.
Section 6 of the Act directs DOS to enter into negotiations with
the United Kingdom, France, Canada and other nations to develop an
international agreement that provides for: (1) Designation of RMS
Titanic as an international maritime memorial; and (2) research on,
exploration of, and if appropriate, salvage of RMS Titanic consistent
with the international guidelines developed pursuant to the purposes of
the Act. The proposed guidelines are based primarily on the rules
annexed to the January 5, 2000 draft international agreement that has
been negotiated by the U.S., Canada, France and the United Kingdom.
Preparation of the Guidelines
The primary objective in developing the proposed guidelines has
been to further the ongoing efforts to protect RMS Titanic as a
maritime memorial and as an internationally significant resource of
science, culture, and history. More than 1500 men, women and children
lost their lives when RMS Titanic sank on April 15, 1912 and many of
those were trapped in the ship's hull. This tragic loss of life and the
encasement of the remains of many passengers and crew in RMS Titanic
have caused many people around the world, including descendants of RMS
Titanic's passengers and crew to view the shipwreck as a grave site. In
addition, RMS Titanic is of great interest to scientists,
archaeologists, historians, naval architects, educators, lawyers,
salvors, the media, and the public. Accordingly, representatives of
many diverse groups were consulted and their interests were considered
in preparing these proposed guidelines.
The wreckage of RMS Titanic was discovered on September 1, 1985,
during a joint French/U.S. expedition lead by Jean Luc Michel and Dr.
Robert Ballard. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Ballard testified before
Congress to encourage the enactment of legislation to designate RMS
Titanic as a maritime memorial. On his second expedition in July 1986,
Dr. Ballard placed a plaque on RMS Titanic providing notice to the
world that it was discovered by a U.S./French expedition and that it
should be left undisturbed as a memorial. Meanwhile, the U.S. Congress
enacted and the President signed into law the RMS Titanic Maritime
Memorial Act of 1986 to protect this unique shipwreck from potential
harm caused by misguided salvage. To this end, the Act mandates that
NOAA develop these guidelines.
In 1986, DOS contacted the referenced nations regarding the
development of international guidelines and an international agreement.
Despite the continued international interest in RMS Titanic, other
countries exhibited little interest in developing international
guidelines or an agreement as envisioned by the U.S. Congress. In 1995,
the United Kingdom, France, Canada and the U.S initiated talks on
negotiating guidelines and an agreement. The initiation of
international discussion on the guidelines and agreement, at least in
part, was based on information about the commercial salvage of RMS
Titanic and the exhibition of recovered artifacts in the British
National Maritime Museum.
In February 1995, the British National Maritime Museum sponsored a
conference of experts in the fields of law, archaeology, history,
science, and salvage in Greenwich, England to discuss the protection
and management of RMS Titanic and other historic shipwrecks.
Participants presented papers and discussions were held regarding the
differences in approach between archaeologists and salvors, the Law of
the Sea, the draft convention on underwater cultural heritage (UCH)
prepared by the International Law Association, and the practices of
various nations with respect to the protection and management of UCH.
In January 1996, the British National Maritime Museum held a second
conference at the International Maritime Organization in London,
England. The conference resulted in a statement of principle, called
the Greenwich Declaration, concerning the management of UCH. The
significance of UCH to humankind was recognized, as was the threat of
its irrevocable loss unless its disturbance or removal is conducted in
accordance with best archaeological practices and under the supervision
of national authorities having jurisdiction over such activities. While
Titanic was an impetus for the conferences, the focus was to provide
protection for all UCH. The preparation of an international instrument
by UNESCO for the protection of UCH was discussed as was the
International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) International
Charter on the Protection and Management of Underwater Cultural
Heritage. At both conferences there were also informal discussions on
the international agreement and guidelines for research on, exploration
of, and if determined appropriate, salvage of RMS Titanic.
Delegations representing the Governments of Canada, France, the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the U.S.
conducted negotiations between 1997 and 2000 in London and by video-
conference to develop the text of an international agreement to protect
RMS Titanic. Negotiations were held on September 29 and December 1,
1997; February 12, 1998; January 12, June 18, and December 2, 1999; and
January 5, 2000. During the negotiation process, various experts in
law, science, history, archaeology and salvage, including
representatives of RMS Titanic Inc., were periodically consulted. While
the Act directed the U.S. to develop guidelines and an international
agreement, early in the process, there was a consensus that the
guidelines should be incorporated into the international agreement.
NOAA then drafted these proposed guidelines based primarily on the
January 5 draft of the international agreement, particularly the
annexed rules for activities aimed at RMS Titanic.
These proposed guidelines are based primarily on the rules annexed
to the January 5, 2000 draft agreement resulting from the above-
referenced negotiations. They are also based on widely accepted
international and domestic professional archaeological standards,
including the ICOMOS International Charter on the Protection and
Management of Underwater Cultural Heritage, the UNESCO draft rules
annexed to the draft Convention on the Protection of the Underwater
Cultural Heritage, the Secretary of the
[[Page 35328]]
Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic
Preservation, the National Park Service's Abandoned Shipwreck Act
Guidelines, and NOAA's guidelines for archaeological research and
recovery.
Scope and Definitions
These proposed guidelines are intended to guide the planning and
conduct of activities aimed at RMS Titanic, including exploration,
research, and if appropriate, salvage. As guidelines, they are advisory
in nature. They are not enforceable by NOAA unless and until there is
authorizing legislation enacted by Congress. As RMS Titanic is a
British flagged vessel that lies well outside of the U.S. territorial
sea and contiguous zone, the U.S. is not asserting jurisdiction over
RMS Titanic in proposing these guidelines or otherwise. However,
Congress has the authority to enact legislation regulating activities
aimed at RMS Titanic. The U.S. enforcement regime in such legislation
could rely on U.S. jurisdiction over its nationals, U.S. flagged
vessels, port state jurisdiction, in personam jurisdiction and other
jurisdiction consistent with international law.
For the purposes of the proposed guidelines, ``RMS Titanic'' means
the shipwrecked vessel RMS Titanic; ``Artifacts'' means the cargo of
RMS Titanic and other contents, including those associated objects that
are scattered in its vicinity and any portion of the hull; ``Project''
means all activities aimed at RMS Titanic and/or its artifacts carried
out in accordance with these guidelines; ``Collection'' means artifacts
and records pertaining to a project.
Recent Salvage History of RMS Titanic
In 1987, Titanic Ventures, Inc. and the Institut Francais de
Recherche pour l'Exploration de Mers (IFREMER) conducted a salvage
expedition in which some 1,800 artifacts were recovered from the wreck
site. In 1992, Titanic Ventures, Inc. filed an in rem action in the
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. In 1993, RMS
Titanic Inc. (RMST) acquired all of the assets and liabilities of
Titanic Ventures, Inc. and conducted a second expedition with IFREMER.
RMST and IFREMER conducted a third expedition in 1994 and a fourth
expedition in 1998. Some 5,000 artifacts have been recovered to date.
Sale of Artifacts
The preferred policy is to preserve the artifacts at the site of
RMS Titanic. If it is determined to be in the public interest to
recover artifacts, the proposed guidelines provide that all artifacts
recovered from RMS Titanic should be kept together and intact as
project collections. Although not expressly delineated, following these
guidelines would mean that individual artifacts would not be sold.
However, this would not necessarily preclude the sale or transfer of an
entire collection to a museum or other qualified institution, provided
the collection is kept together and maintained for the benefit of the
public consistent with these guidelines and the Act.
There are differences of opinion among professional scientists and
others on whether the coal that was used to power RMS Titanic is a
natural resource or a cultural artifact. Even if coal were determined
not to come within the meaning of an artifact, such coal may still be
useful for archaeological and scientific research. On the other hand,
if the coal were determined to come within the meaning of an artifact,
and, thus, covered by these guidelines, there are differences of
opinion among professional scientists and others on whether all of the
coal should be curated in perpetuity, or if it would be appropriate to
keep only a representative sample following scientific analysis and
study of all the coal. Current professional curation practices and
standards provide museums or administrators with sufficient
discretionary authority to include or exclude objects from the
collection or to subsequently allow some of the objects to be
deaccessioned from the collection. Deaccessioned objects can be
disposed of in accordance with the museum's or administrator's
deaccessioning policies and may include transfer to another
institution, deposit as waste, or sale.
In Situ Preservation and Salvage
The proposed guidelines provide that in situ (or in-place)
preservation is the preferred policy approach for memorializing RMS
Titanic. This approach is consistent with widely accepted international
and domestic professional archaeological standards and embodies the
broader public interest in conservation of RMS Titanic. Under this
policy, non-intrusive research and exploration of RMS Titanic is
encouraged in order to protect the wrecksite for future research and
access. The public interest in RMS Titanic is diverse. Congress and
others view the site as a maritime memorial, a grave site and an
underwater museum and laboratory. The hull and cargo are like a time
capsule of that tragic event. Because intrusive activities may damage
or destroy RMS Titanic, these proposed guidelines support the
presumption that such activities should not be conducted unless
justified by scientific, cultural or educational interests. This in
situ preservation policy is compatible with non-destructive uses of the
site, such as non-intrusive research, education, public viewing and
even commercial use. This policy is also consistent with the treatment
of RMS Titanic as the final resting place for many people, and the
conservation of the surrounding natural environment.
The public interest in the recovery of shipwrecks and cargo under
salvage law, in general, should now be reconciled with the public
interest in the in situ preservation of RMS Titanic. However, in situ
preservation does not preclude intrusive research, exploration or
appropriate salvage in certain circumstances. Consistent with a
precautionary management approach, once there is scientific, cultural
or educational justification, then research, exploration or appropriate
salvage activities could be permitted. However, to fulfill the public
interest in RMS Titanic under salvage law and the Act, such salvage
should only be conducted in accordance with the scientific and
conservation standards set forth in the proposed guidelines.
Professional Scientific Approach
As noted above, these proposed guidelines are based on widely
accepted international and domestic standards for professional
scientific research. Most of those standards have already been
subjected to professional scrutiny and public processes. In this case,
those standards were revisited and specifically tailored for research,
exploration and salvage of RMS Titanic and its artifacts. Among other
interested parties, RMST and IFREMER were consulted in developing these
proposed guidelines because they have had the most experience working
at the wreck site.
Miscellaneous Requirements
Executive Order 12866
In deciding whether and how to regulate, federal agencies assess
the costs and benefits of proposed regulations upon society, including
individuals and business. While the proposed guidelines are non-
binding, NOAA has considered the costs and benefits upon society
arising from compliance with them. For those already applying the
professional scientific approach to research, recovery and conservation
of artifacts, NOAA does not expect that there will be any
[[Page 35329]]
additional significant costs from complying with these proposed
guidelines. However, for those explorers or salvors who do not as a
matter of practice follow professional scientific standards and
policies, then compliance with these proposed guidelines may result in
additional costs. These costs could result in the expenditure of tens
of thousands of dollars. Since an RMS Titanic salvage expedition can
costs hundreds of thousands of dollars per day for ships, equipment and
personnel, the additional costs for following the proposed guidelines
are not expected to be significant. Although compliance with the
guidelines may result in additional costs in the careful planning of
the expedition, the application of the scientific approach generally
results in a more efficient execution of the project and thus may save
money in the end. The costs for compliance with the guidelines should
also be weighed against the potential benefits to the society from
protecting RMS Titanic and preserving the artifacts and research for
present and future generations. Adherence to proper scientific
methodology and approach is in the interest of the public because it
preserves the integrity of the site, the artifacts recovered and the
story contained at the wrecksite. Compliance with the proposed
guidelines may also be viewed as an investment by those that have not
followed the scientific standards in the past. The proper recording of
information and conservation of artifacts increases the value of the
collection to the salvors, researchers, museums and the general public.
As a result, the additional costs involved in following the scientific
approach are often offset by increased revenue from documentaries,
films, and museum receipts. RMST has reported millions of dollars in
annual revenues from the display of artifacts in museums. Some argue
that keeping the collection together and intact is not as profitable as
selling individual artifacts. However, it is difficult, if not
impossible, to quantify the cost to society if the artifacts are sold
such that the collection is no longer kept together for public use for
research, education and viewing by the general public.
Executive Order 12630
Under this Order, federal agencies assess the takings implications
of proposed policies and actions on private property protected by the
Fifth Amendment. The goal is to better inform the agency decision
makers about the potential agency activities. To the extent permitted
by law, consistent with their statutory obligations, agencies are then
better informed on how to minimize the impacts of such activities on
constitutionally protected property rights. As these guidelines are
non-binding in nature, they should not raise any regulatory takings
implications under the Just Compensation Clause of the Fifth Amendment
to the U.S. Constitution.
Executive Order 12114
The purpose of this Order is to enable responsible officials to be
informed of pertinent environmental considerations and to take such
consideration into account in agency decision making with regard to
major federal actions significantly affecting the environment outside
the United States, its territories and possessions. While based on
independent authority, this Order furthers the National Environmental
Policy Act (``NEPA'') and other laws consistent with the foreign policy
and national security policy of the United States. The proposed
guidelines are not a ``major federal action'' as defined in DOC DAO
216-12 (Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions). Since
they are advisory in nature, they are not a ``major federal action''.
In addition, compliance with the proposed guidelines would not have any
significant adverse effects on the environment. However, compliance
with the proposed guidelines would further the purposes of NEPA and
other laws. Conservation of the environment was carefully considered in
developing the proposed guidelines. Compliance with the proposed
guidelines would preserve RMS Titanic and would correspondingly further
preservation of the surrounding natural environment.
A primary objective of the proposed guidelines is in situ
preservation of RMS Titanic and its surrounding natural environment. In
addition, activities that would harm or destroy RMS Titanic would be
discouraged by the proposed guidelines. Since intrusive archaeological
research, recovery or salvage can often harm the natural environment,
compliance with the in-situ preservation principles would
correspondingly preserve the surrounding natural environment. The
proposed guidelines encourage non-destructive and non-intrusive
research. Since non-intrusive research inherently avoids destruction of
the surrounding natural environment, this proposed guideline would also
protect the natural environment. In the event that activities to be
conducted may harm RMS Titanic and the surrounding natural environment,
the proposed guidelines provide for an assessment of environmental
consequences. Thus, the proposed guidelines would further the purposes
of NEPA, other laws and Executive Order 12114 by conserving RMS Titanic
and the surrounding natural environment.
National Historic Preservation Act
Under this law, agencies are to take into account the effect of any
federal undertaking outside the United States which may directly and
adversely affect a historic property. Compliance with the proposed
guidelines will not adversely affect RMS Titanic. To the contrary,
compliance with the proposed guidelines will fulfill the public's
interest in conserving the national and international historical
significance of RMS Titanic. The Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation was consulted in developing the proposed guidelines. NOAA
plans to consult further with the Advisory Council prior to issuing any
final guidelines.
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
These guidelines contain voluntary collection-of-information
requirements subject to review and approval by the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) under the PRA. These requirements have been submitted
to OMB for approval. Public reporting burden for these collections of
information is estimated to average 12 hours to submit a project design
and 12 hours to submit a report. These estimates include the time for
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information.
Public comment is sought regarding: whether this proposed
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall
have practical utility; the accuracy of the burden estimate; ways to
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be
collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of
information, including through the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments on
these or any other aspects of the collection of information to NOAA,
1305 East-West Highway, SSMC IV, Suite 11515, Silver Spring, MD 20910
(attention Titanic guidelines comments); and to OMB at the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget,
Wash., DC 20503 (Attention: NOAA Desk Officer).
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply
[[Page 35330]]
with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the
PRA, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid
OMB Control Number.
D. James Baker,
Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator.
Guidelines for Research, Recovery and Salvage of RMS Titanic
Contents
I. General Principles
II. Project Design
III. Funding
IV. Duration--Timetable
V. Objectives, Methodology and Techniques
VI. Professional Qualifications
VII. Preliminary Work
VIII. Documentation
IX. Artifact Conservation
X. Safety
XI. Reporting
XII. Curation of Project Collection
XIII. Dissemination
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 450rr to 450rr-6.
Introduction: It is the sense of Congress that research and limited
exploration activities concerning the RMS Titanic should continue for
the purpose of enhancing public knowledge of its scientific, cultural,
and historical significance, Provided, That, pending the adoption of
the international agreement or implementation of international
guidelines, no person should conduct any such research or exploration
activity which would physically alter, disturb, or salvage the RMS
Titanic.
I. General Principles
1. The preferred policy for the preservation of RMS Titanic and its
artifacts is in situ preservation. Recovery or excavation aimed at RMS
Titanic and/or its artifacts should be granted only when justified by
educational, scientific, or cultural interests, including the need to
protect the integrity of RMS Titanic and/or its artifacts from a
significant threat. All artifacts recovered from RMS Titanic shall be
conserved and curated consistent with these guidelines and kept
together and intact as project collections.
2. Activities shall avoid disturbance of human remains. In
particular, entry into the hull sections of RMS Titanic shall be
avoided so that they, other artifacts and any human remains are not
disturbed.
3. Activities utilizing non-destructive techniques and non-
intrusive surveys and sampling shall be preferred to those involving
recovery or excavation aimed at RMS Titanic and/or its artifacts.
4. Activities shall have the minimum adverse impact on RMS Titanic
and its artifacts.
5. Activities shall ensure proper recording and dissemination to
the public of historical, cultural and archaeological information.
II. Project Design
6. Activities shall be the object of a project design that shall
include:
(a) The objectives of the project;
(b) A general description of the methodology and techniques to be
employed;
(c) A description of the anticipated funding;
(d) A provisional timetable for completion of the project;
(e) The composition, qualifications and responsibilities of the
anticipated team;
(f) The proposal for or results of all preliminary work;
(g) If applicable, plans for post-fieldwork;
(h) If applicable, a conservation and curation plan;
(i) A documentation program;
(j) A safety policy;
(k) If applicable, arrangements for collaboration with museums and
other institutions;
(l) Report preparation, contents, and dissemination;
(m) If applicable, the anticipated disposition of archives,
including artifacts; and (n) if applicable, a program for publication.
7. If unexpected discoveries are made or circumstances change, the
project design shall be reviewed and amended.
8. Each project shall be carried out in accordance with its project
design.
III. Funding
9. Projects shall be designed to ensure adequate funding in advance
to complete all stages of the project including the curation,
conservation and documentation of any recovered artifacts, and the
preparation and dissemination of the report.
10. The project design shall include contingency plans that will
ensure conservation of recovered artifacts and supporting documentation
in the event of any interruption of anticipated funding.
11. The project design shall demonstrate an ability to fund the
project through completion.
12. Project funding shall not require the sale of artifacts or
other material recovered or the use of any strategy that will cause
artifacts and supporting documentation to be irretrievably dispersed.
IV. Duration--Timetable
13. Adequate time shall be assured in advance to complete all
stages of the project, including the curation, conservation and
documentation of any recovered artifacts, and the preparation and
dissemination of the report.
14. The project design shall include contingency plans that will
ensure conservation of artifacts and supporting documentation in the
event of any interruption in the anticipated timetable.
V. Objectives, Methodology and Techniques
15. The project design shall include the objectives, proposed
methodology and techniques.
16. The methodology shall comply with the project objectives and
with the general principles in section I.
VI. Professional Qualifications
17. Projects shall only be undertaken under the guidance of and in
the presence of qualified technical and/or professional experts with
experience appropriate to the objectives. The project shall not
commence until the identity, qualifications, experience and
responsibilities of the team members have been notified to and approved
by the relevant national authorities.
18. All persons on the project team shall be:
(a) qualified and have demonstrated experience appropriate to their
project roles; and
(b) fully briefed and understand the work required.
VII. Preliminary Work
19. The project design shall include:
(a) An assessment that evaluates the vulnerability of RMS Titanic
and artifacts to damage by the proposed activities; and
(b) A determination that the benefits of the project outweigh the
potential risk of damage.
20. The assessment shall also include background studies and
relevant bibliography of available historical and archaeological
evidence, and environmental consequences of the proposed project for
the long-term stability of RMS Titanic and artifacts.
VIII. Documentation
21. Projects shall be thoroughly documented in accordance with
professional archaeological standards current at the time the project
is to be undertaken.
22. Documentation shall include, at a minimum, the systematic and
complete recording of the provenance of artifacts moved or removed in
the course of the
[[Page 35331]]
project, field notes, plans, sections, photographs and recording in
other media.
IX. Artifact Conservation
23. The project design shall include a conservation plan that
provides for treatment of the artifacts in transit and in the long
term.
24. Conservation shall be carried out in accordance with
professional standards current at the time the project is to be
undertaken.
X. Safety
25. All persons on the team shall work according to a safety policy
prepared according to professional requirements and set out in the
project design.
XI. Reporting
26. Interim reports shall be made available according to a
timetable set out in the project design, and provided to relevant
national authorities.
27. Reports shall include:
(a) An account of the objectives;
(b) An account of the methodology and techniques employed;
(c) An account of the results achieved; and
(d) Recommendations concerning conservation of any artifacts
removed during the course of the project.
XII. Curation of Project Collection
28. The project collection, including any artifacts recovered
during the course of the project and a copy of all supporting
documentation, shall be kept together and intact in a manner that
provides for public access, curation and its availability for
educational, scientific, cultural and other public purposes.
29. Arrangements for curation of the project collection shall be
agreed before any project commences, and shall be set out in the
project design.
30. The project collection shall be curated according to
professional standards current at the time the project is to be
undertaken.
XIII. Dissemination
31. Projects shall provide for public education and popular
presentation of the results.
32. A final synthesis shall be provided to relevant national
authorities and made available to the public as soon as possible,
having regard to the complexity of the project.
[FR Doc. 00-13791 Filed 6-1-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-08-U
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