STATE OF FLORIDA’S ARCHAEOLOGICAL
GUIDELINES
The State of Florida Archaeological
Guidelines specify the archaeological techniques to be used within the
territorial limits of the State of Florida. Included in this section is
a copy of those guidelines. For the past two seasons Salvors, Inc., and
the State of Florida have been discussing changes in the techniques used
for location the positions of artifacts found within the contracted areas
as well as the location of the excavation units for each of the vessels
that have worked during these seasons. Specifically, the argument has been
made of the incorporation of the Differential Global Positioning System
(DGPS). Mr. Bill Moore, conservator for Salvors, Inc., wrote a report on
the accuracy of DGPS in comparison with the sextant and beach markers system
currently in use as per the archaeological guidelines. A copy of that report
was included in last season’s (1995) report and is also included in this
section following the guidelines. Additionally, a report on the sextant
and DGPS comparison data and the recommendations of Salvors, Inc. with
regard to the type of DGPS equipment that should be used including the
type of differential signal that best suits the needs of this project follows
Mr. Moore’s report on the accuracy.
While the sextant and beach marker system does provide accurate positions, the difficulty involved with its maintenance has become increasingly problematic thereby necessitating a change. DGPS offers a reliable degree of accuracy without the need for maintaining a system of beach markers. Complaints from homeowners along the beaches where the sites are located have increased along with the incidents of vandalism in which the markers are removed. This coupled with the loss of markers due to storms, and the considerable effort it takes to reposition the markers every season makes the argument for DGPS all the more compelling. Additionally, the relocation of the markers every season for the past 13+ years has made it extremely difficult to compile an accurate map of the total finds on each of the sites given the fact that it is virtually impossible to place the markers in the exact same location as the previous year.
For these reasons, Salvors, Inc., recommends that the change to the DGPS system of position location be made for the 1997 season. This will not only provide an accurate means of position location, it will make it far easier in the future to compile the data for each of the sites with regard to areas searched and artifacts found. Both Salvors, Inc. and the State of Florida have been working on developing computer programs that will enable them to convert the sextant and beach marker data from any year into latitude and longitude coordinates and plot the information accordingly. A program of this type will allow both the state and Salvors to access all of the data compiled over the years.
The change to DGPS sill benefit both Salvors, Inc. and the State of Florida. The state will no longer need to setup and maintain the beach markers necessary for sextant readings, the accuracy of the data will improve given the fact that DGPS does not rely as heavily on the ability and technique of the user nor does it rely on beach marker positions that change on a yearly basis, and the computer technology available with DGPS systems will make it easier for both Salvors, Inc. and the State to plot locations. It is the hope of Salvors, Inc. that such changes will enhance the Florida East Coast Shipwreck Project by providing for more accurate information which can be more easily disseminated among the archaeological and salvage communities.
1985 ARCHAEOLOGICAL GUIDELINES FOR
SHIPWRECK SITES OFF THE EAST COAST OF FLORIDA SALVAGED UNDER CONTRACT TO
THE STATE by COBB COIN COMPANY, INC., OR SUBCONTRACTORS OF COBB COIN COMPANY,
INC.
The following guidelines have been prepared in accordance
with the Settlement Agreement of June 3, 1983 between the Florida Department
of State and Treasure Salvors, Inc., and Cobb Coin Inc. They specify salvage
methods and techniques which will guide collection of archaeological information
of wreck sites covered in the above agreement. The purpose of these guidelines
is to establish minimum recording standards in order that sound archaeological
provenience information can be made available to the salvors,
the State, and eventually the public. Generally, the Guidelines are
concerned with recording location of excavation activities; provenience
of recovered or recorded artifacts; mapping of wreck sites at broad and
detailed scales, as appropriate; artifact tagging, handling, security and
conservation; and diver safety.
1. Beach Marker Datums/Position Finding Stations
No wreck site will be salvaged until beach marker datums or position finder stations have been established and approved by the Division and Cobb. Cobb will establish position finder stations, and the Department of State, Division of Archives, History and Records Management will assist Cobb and its subcontractors in establishing beach marker datums.
2. Data records
Each boat must have on board one person certified by the Division as qualified to perform the following tasks.
a. Use a sextant to shoot angles to adjacent pairs of beach markers.
b. Plot the resulting readings on a base map.
c. Understand and use the UTM coordinates system to record and describe location of the salvage boat and bottom features.
d. Understand and use an approved artifact tagging system which will allow identification and provenience of all recovered artifacts to be maintained.
e. Understand and use an approved logbook system which will provide an accurate record of boat location, salvage activities, artifacts recovered by tag number and location, and other useful information.
The Division and Cobb will conduct a workshop at the beginning of the salvage season to instruct crew members in these areas and will be further available throughout the season to instruct new recorders and assist in recording. At the conclusion of such instruction, the Division and Cobb will certify recorders who are able to maintain records in accordance with the guidelines.
3. Recording Blower Hole Locations and Contents and Other Bottom Features.
Locations of blower holes and other large bottom features will be determined by sextant or electronic position finding equipment. To ensure accuracy of recording blower hole locations sextant angles will be shot twice on the same hole, preferably by two different crew members from a standard location on each boat as near the blower as practical while the blower is in operation. Each salvage boat will have and use a sextant with an accuracy of at-least one minute of arc; Mark Seven or Davis Master are recommended but any sextant of equal or better quality may be used. Sextant readings and blower hole or feature identification will be recorded on log book forms supplied or approved by the Division. Locations will also be recorded on 1:1000 or 1:2000 scale base maps supplied or approved by the Division. Blower holes will be identified with a unique two letter abbreviation of the boat' s name followed by consecutive numbers for each hole beginning at the start of the season and concluding at the end of the season.
In the log, brief descriptions and tag number of all artifacts recovered will be recorded for each blower hole so that the tag number is sufficient to determine the provenience of any artifact. Representative and all unusual blower hole profiles will be recorded noting the general order and thickness of recognizable sediments and the location of artifacts, fossils, or other useful information. Profiles which indicate that an earlier blower hole is being reopened should be noted. When possible a more accurate location description for important artifacts should be recorded, for example, in which quarter of the blower hole and from what sediment. Finally any interpretations of stratification or association which might be useful in understanding the process of artifact scatter and deposition should be noted.
4. Large Non-Structural Artifacts
Large objects like cannon and anchors will be tagged, left in place on the bottom and their UTM location recorded so that they may serve as a mapping and location references in future work. If such large objects interfere with underwater metal detector survey they may be moved to another location on the site with the approval of the Division or Cobb providing the original and new locations are recorded and mapped. Cannon, anchors, wood structure and other large objects will not be removed from the site unless transfer, storage, and conservation facilities approved by the division and Cobb are available.
5. Structural Remains and Major Artifact Clusters
Because structural remains and major artifact clusters have more important association than scattered material, greater care is required in recording provenience. Structural remains will be photographed when possible, and mapped at 1:50 scale on base maps supplied or approved by the Division to show position of wooden structural members, spikes, and other artifacts as well as details of construction if visible. Maps will be tied to the UTM coordinate system by taking sextant angles to beach datums from buoys marking mapping reference points on the bottom. Structural remains will not be moved or undermined unless mapping results have been approved by the Division and Cobb and unless transfer, storage, and conservation facilities approved by the Division and Cobb are available.
6. Artifact Tagging
All recovered artifacts will be tagged individually or as a group when from a single provenience. Anchors and cannon recorded and left on the bottom will also be tagged. Tags will be plastic with permanent imprinted numbers and affixed to artifacts or bags of grouped artifacts by copper or stainless steel wire or nylon cord.
For small or delicate artifacts the tag may be placed in the same sealed protective container as the artifact. Large objects will be individually tagged. Small objects will be individually tagged if they are unique or have special value. Common objects such as pottery sherds, spikes, barrel hoop fragments, musket balls or lead sheathing can be bagged as a group and assigned a single tag number when from the same provenience. Bags will be of sufficient strength that they will not tear or break in handling or rot in storage before processing; cloth is recommended.
7. Artifact Handling
Artifacts may be divided into four categories; large objects, such-as anchors, cannon, and hull structure; miscellaneous encrusted objects (E.O.s); miscellaneous small identified non-precious artifacts; and identified unique or precious artifacts.After tagging and recording, artifacts in each category will be treated as follows:
A. Large Objects: These will be left in place on site until removal is approved by the Division and Cobb and wet storage facilities are available. Once removed, they should be handled so as to minimize damage and should be kept moist. They must not be allowed to remain out of water more than three days.
B. Miscellaneous Encrusted Objects: These fall into two categories: i) general identifiable non-fragile E.O.s; and, ii) interesting or fragile E.O.s. The former category will generally include barrel hoops, spikes or general ship's hardware. The latter category includes swords, knives, small tools and implements. All E.O.s should be kept moist and E.O.s in the latter category must be kept moist, while on board and in transit to the storage and processing laboratory. Ballast stones and coquina rock may be separated from E.O.'s if their removal will facilitate handling and not break the E.O. E.O.s will not be broken open on board; instead they will be processed on shore at the storage and laboratory facility.
C. Common Miscellaneous Small Identified Non-Precious Artifacts:
These include such items as pottery sherds , spikes , barrel hoop
fragments, musket balls, and lead sheathing. These may be bagged as a group
from each blow hole or excavation unit. If Iron is included, the
bags or objects will be kept moist.
D. Identified Unique or Precious Artifacts: These will be assigned individual tags, unless they are clusters of coins, and placed in individual small plastic bags or protective jars to prevent damage. Unique and precious objects will be photographed at the processing facility and precious objects will be deposited with the bank on the day or evening of their recovery.
8. Artifact Processing and Stabilization
All artifacts recovered from sites are to be conveyed to the artifact processing and stabilization facility. This facility shall have storage and processing capability approved by the Division and Cobb and will provide sufficient security to ensure the protection of the artifacts which it receives. In addition to the routine processing of E.O. s and other artifacts needing stabilization and/or conservation, all precious artifacts - gold, silver and jewels - and unique artifacts will be photographed and the tag number and provenience data recorded on the photo back prior to being conveyed to the bank for safekeeping. At least two copies of these photographs will be prepared: one for the Division and one for Cobb. Final records and inventories of identified artifacts from each site and excavation unit will be prepared for each vessel's activities, and artifact overlay maps compiled at this facility so that results may be available to guide further salvage activities. Copies of all field records will be maintained at this facility during the salvage season and log sheet copies along with artifact photographs submitted to Cobb and the Division every two weeks.
9. Artifact Conservation
All fragile and unique artifacts of special interest will be sent to the Treasure Salvors, Inc., Conservation Laboratory in Key West. for cleaning, stabilization and conservation/restoration. Interesting encrusted objects should also be sent to to Key West to be X-rayed as soon as possible after recovery. Treasure Salvors, Inc., Conservation Laboratory staff and the Division Conservation Laboratory staff will cooperate closely in these activities.
10. Diver Safety
Spinning shafts, high vacuum suction intakes and propellers will be caged while divers are in the water. Dive flags will be displayed and standard dive safety precautions will be followed.
11. Project Supervision
In order to ensure that the quality of information recorded is adequate and that the information is consolidated and interpreted in a professional manner, Cobb will provide a professional archaeologist and sufficient trained assistants to supervise the number of vessels used in exploration and salvage activities.
12. Reporting Requirements
A report on each site salvaged will be prepared by Cobb before
the beginning of the next dive season. The division may assist in these
activities. Copies of each report, journal article or manuscript resulting
from data derived from salvage and/or exploration activities will be provided
to the Division by Cobb.
