UNTIL five years ago, 80 civil servants shared the task of receiving wreck in the UK.
When their jobs were combined into a single one – mine – I felt as if I had been handed a parcel that was coming apart at the edges.
But the advantage of being the one and only Receiver of Wreck is that I can pursue a consistent line. And since I took over I am glad to say that the level of wreck reporting has increased steadily year by year.
Historic wreck is not a renewable source, and our maritime heritage must be protected. Wreck divers, it seems, are acting more responsibly than ever before.
However, the reporting system does cause some confusion – in particular, exactly what should be reported. All property found in the sea, or washed ashore from tidal water, is owned by someone.
The law requires finders to report all recoveries to the Receiver of Wreck, however unimportant they seem.
I will trace the rightful owners to allow them the chance to get their property back.
Most unclaimed wreck belongs to the Crown, and I have to decide how it should be dealt with, often returning it to the finder in lieu of a salvage reward.
I am careful to prevent private collection of historic artefacts by offering finds for sale to registered museums, preferably in the find-site area.
Many finders donate their finds and do not seek salvage for archaeological material.
Legitimate finders cannot lose: they either keep the property or receive the net proceeds of the sale.
However, the penalties for failing to report are severe: the finder forfeits rights to any salvage and can be fined up to 2500 per offence.
He or she is also liable to pay the owner double the value of the property!
As part of our initiative I hope soon to launch a pilot amnesty programme – watch Diver for details.
But in the meantime if you have made a recovery and not yet contacted me, do so now – I will be pleased to help you.
