During the 2000 season, the operating procedures at Mel Fisher Center, Inc. continued to function at a high level of sophistication. The laboratory, under the capable supervision of Mr. Noel Wells, continued to operate at the level of technical expertise that is evident in the quality of the conserved artifacts. Mr. Robert Campbell, who served for several of the previous years as a dedicated volunteer has come aboard as assistant lab conservator. The tireless efforts of volunteers Ed Martin and Susie Spangler have contributed greatly to the efficiency and quality of the laboratory operations.

The computers have been upgraded to Windows 98, Office 2000, Auto Cad 2000 and Corpscon 4 to facilitate data entry and mapping.

STAGE 1 - LAB CHECK IN:

Artifacts and Logsheets are turned in to Taffi Fisher or Noel Wells.

1. Check that all data has been filled into the top section of the Logsheet.

2. Check that all copies are legible, especially where corrections have been made.

3. Check that the Site or Wreck corresponds with the DGPS positions they recorded.

4. Do they have a time departed and returned?

5. Are the Daily Activities listed?

6. Are holes numbered consecutively? Check the last hole listed on the Logsheet previously turned in to make sure they have not skipped/repeated numbers.

7. Are tags numbered consecutively? Check the last tag number used on the Logsheet previously turned in to make sure they have not skipped/repeated tag numbers or dates.

8. Are Quantities correct?

9. Check the Description column carefully. Make sure the type of material is noted as well as an accurate description.

10. If all information is correct and artifacts accounted for, initial outside the Description column.

11. If all recovered artifacts are accounted for, write Received by and sign your name with the date at the bottom right hand corner of each Logsheet.

12. Give the pink copy to the subcontractor.

13. Stabilize the artifacts and give logsheets to office personnel for Data Entry and State Compliance Preparation.

1. Separate Logsheet copies white for the State and yellow for data entry/archival.

2. Double check all information checked in Stage 1.

3. All artifacts will be entered into an Artifact Database which is compatible with those for previous seasons.

4. Fill in Data Sheets/ artifact cards for individual artifacts.

5. Make sure unique artifacts are drafted, measured, weighed, photographed and unique traits photographed close up.

1. Print out Days Worked Analysis by subcontractor for the State of Florida.

2. Collect white copies to submit to State of Florida. (monthly)

3. File yellow copies in notebooks organized by vessel name for Office/Lab use. Make sure each section is arranged in chronological order.

1. Tally Activity on Site and Total Holes for each vessel in computer and print out. (mail to State)

2. Make sure all Logsheets and artifacts have been turned in.

3. Make sure each vessel has turned in an End of Season Logsheet.

4. Create Certificates of Authenticity.

1. Complete Artifact Database for season, and make print-outs.

2. Compile Databases for Silver and Gold Coin analyses, and make print-outs.

3. Participate in State of Florida Inventory.

4. Compile Archaeological Report.