In spring 2003, Wessex Archaeology was awarded the contract for the Provision of Archaeological Services in Relation to the Protection of Wrecks Act (1973). The contract started on 1st May 2003 and will last until at least May 2006.

Wessex Archaeology plans to carry out a total of 20 weeks’ fieldwork each year for this contract, consisting of a week on each of 10-15 already designated sites plus one-day assessments of up to 20 sites that may warrant designation.

Wessex Archaeology will be using several diving teams. One will be engaged continuously during a season running from May to October. The other teams will be involved from time to time to provide additional cover, as well as working on other contracts. Each team will generally comprise four commercially-qualified diving archaeologists drawn from Wessex Archaeology’s staff, supported locally by other commercially-qualified diving archaeologists where appropriate.

David Burden’s company, Sea-Trax, has been commissioned by Wessex Archaeology to provide a support vessel, the ‘Xplorer’, a 12.5 metre catamaran. Other diving support vessels are being hired locally, as required.

Diving operations will generally be conducted using Surface Supplied Diving Equipment, though we have also made provision for using tethered SCUBA where conditions are suitable. Divers will be equipped with digital video and digital stills cameras, and an integrated diver tracking and recording system.

Wessex Archaeology has the expertise to undertake a broad range of other forms of investigation, including geophysical and ROV (remote operated vehicle) survey, if required.

A board of consultants, drawn from experienced marine archaeologists based throughout the UK, will provide advice on approaches, methods and interpretations.