In August 2005, BMAPA and EH published a Protocol for reporting finds of archaeological interest that will apply to all BMAPA members. The Protocol was prepared by Wessex Archaeology.
The Protocol provides for finds being made by members of staff employed by aggregate dredging companies (‘Companies’) on the seabed, on board dredging vessels, and at wharves. Under the Protocol, staff will report to a local ‘Site Champion’ on the vessel or at the wharf, and the Site Champion will compile a preliminary report. The Site Champion will pass the report on to the ‘Nominated Contact’, which is a single identified person within each Company.
The role of the Nominated Contact within each Company is to inform English Heritage of the find as soon as possible, and to pass on the reported details. With the introduction of the Implementation Service, Nominated Contacts will initially contact Wessex Archaeology, who will provide initial advice and pass on reports to English Heritage.
The Nominated Contact is also required to advise other dredgers operating in the same area to keep a particular watch for finds and, if the seabed position of the find is reasonably certain, to implement a Temporary Exclusion Zone (TEZ) until archaeological advice has been obtained.