STATE OF FLORIDA
1996 DATA RECORDER'S GUIDE

The following section includes a copy of the "Data Recorder's Guide" for 1996 probided by the State of Florida. This document was provided by the state in an effort to clarify the responsibilities of the data recorder on board vessels working under contract with salvage companies.

Included in this guide are provisions for testing Differential Global Positioning Systems or DGPS. On May 9, 1996, at a subcontractor's meeting sponsored by Salvors, Inc., these instructions were provided to the subcontractors working under contract with Salvors, Inc.. As this season was a second testing season for DGPS, it was discussed. It is the desire of Salvors, Inc. to see the beach marker and sextant system replaced by DGPS in the 1997 season. Mr. Bill Moore's report on the accuracy of each system was included in the 1995 season report, and is also included in this season's report along with a report on DGPS and sextant readings comparisons and Salvors, Inc., recommendations for equipment. A copy of these can be seen in the previous section.

Immediately folowing the copy of this guide is a list of the subcontractors that were under contract for Salvors, Inc. during the 1996 season. They are listed in alphabetical order by boat name, and include the four letter abbreviation for the boat name, the contract number, and the first and last name of the captain. Overall, the subcontractors did an excellent job of following the instructions in this guide despite a somewhat confusing season due to more widespread use of the two systems. Most of these that will be returning next year are supportive of the switch to DGPS.

    This handout is intended to clarify the responsibilities of the data recorders on board vessels conducting excavation and/or recovery operations on the various Salvors, Inc., contracts for salvage. Included are sections on: 1) the use of base maps, beach markers and sextants along with an example base map showing how a position plot looks when using a three-armed protractor (Fig. 1a) and an example of the circular grid formed by sextant angles (Fig. 1 b); 2) an example field note followed by a section on the use of the Daily Field Note and Activity Logs; 3) Tom Gore's list of things to remember during the 1996 season; and 4) a copy of the Salvors, Inc., Archaeological Guidelines. A set of reduced maps for the sites of base map coverage is also being prepared and will be made available to the data recorders. The base maps show beach marker location and designation. Each salvage vessel involved with excavation and/or recovery operations must have a certified data recorder on board who has been issued a 1996 data recorder identification card. Should data recorders have any questions regarding techniques (for example identification of the various sites areas), they should contact Catherine Gaither at the Salvors, Inc., Sebastian, Florida office (407) 589-0435 & 589-4944 or Tom Gore at (407) 464-4299. The crew of a salvage vessel must not conduct excavation and/or recovery operations without a certified data recorder on board or if otherwise unable to comply with the Archaeological Guidelines.
 
 

    The beach marker locations, which in previous years, had been surveyed by a crew using a Geodetic Total Stations (theodolite with built in electronic distance meter), will be established using sub-meter accuracy DGPS units in 1996. Markers will be tied into the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid system. The UTM grid system is shown on the base maps.

    Beach markers are the land based signs used by data recorders to shoot sextant angles which allows their offshore excavation locations and areas of surface collected artifacts to be plotted on a base map. The land based surveys along the beach are undertaken to compile new base maps or to update existing base maps when erosion has destroyed one or more of the previous season's beach markers. The Bureau and Salvors, Inc., try but can not always reestablish a downed marker to its original position. The land survey information is used to plot the beach marker locations on the base maps. The base map is then given a unique name (generally but not always the name of a wreck site). For example, over a stretch of about 3 miles from Johns Island to Wabasso Beach the scattered remains of three shipwreck sites have been worked over the past several years. These are the Corrigans wreck, Green Cabin wreck and Spring-of-Whitby which are covered by four base maps. From south to north these base maps are named 1) Corrigans Wreck 8Ir19, 2) Middle Area [Between Green Cabin and Corrigans], 3) Green Cabin Wreck 8Ir22, and 4) Spring-of-Whitby 8Ir28. The name of the base map is intended to identify the site area being worked. Because base maps are updated on a yearly basis make sure you have this season's updated version.

    A beach marker is made from pressure treated post with attached plywood sign painted bright red. They are erected along the beach line where they can be easily seen by a data recorder from an offshore vessel. Each sign is marked with a black painted number or letter in its center. Some areas of map coverage, for example the Cabin Wreck South base map, have numbered beach marker signs. Other sites, such as the Corrigans Wreck, have lettered beach marker signs. The data recorder is to determined which area of base map coverage his or her vessel is setting up in for work and which signs are to be used for shooting positioning angles. Each salvage area has signs which are designated consecutively (ex. A,B,C --- etc. or 1,2,3, -- etc.).

    Beach marker have been placed at intervals to accommodate the maximum of 120 of arc a sextant arm can spread and take readings. The closer to shore one gets, the closer but more widely spread the sextant markers become and therefore the larger the angle readings become. Too often, when a beach marker is lost, sextant angles cannot be taken when a salvage vessel is close to shore. This is because the angle between the standing markers is greater than 120 of arc and is beyond the sextant's ability to read the angle. If sextant markers are lost during the active salvage season, the missing markers should be reported to Salvors, Inc., or the Bureau as soon as possible. If sextant shots cannot be taken due to missing sextant markers, salvage and recovery operations should be stopped until the Bureau and Salvors, Inc. have replaced the markers.

    There are a number of known wreck sites inside the much larger salvage contracts where beach markers have been established and base maps are available for plotting positions. For the 1996 season there will be over 100 beach markers erected within areas of base map coverage. The base maps are made available to Salvors, Inc., so their agents and subcontractors are able to: I) plot excavation and recovery locations, 2) identify the area being worked by the base map name, and 3) identify and confirm the correct sextant marker designations.

List Of The Available Base Maps*

    A. S-32 area
    B. Cabin Wreck B (or North) 8Ir23
    C. Cabin Wreck South A 8Ir23
    D. Frank Gordon I South 8Ir47, also known as the
    Roberts
    E. Cannon Pile Wreck 8Ir438
    F. Spring-of-Whitby 8Ir28 at Wabasso Beach
    G. Green Cabin Wreck 8Ir22
    H. Middle Area Between Green Cabin and Corrigans
    I.   Corrigans Wreck 8Ir19
    J.  Rio Mar 81r27
    K.  Sandy Point 8Ir2O
    L.  Davis/Holden 8SL20
    M. North Douglas Beach 8SL17
    N. Douglas Beach (South) 8SL17
*Bold lettering indicates base map name used on field notes

    When a sextant is used to shoot an angle between a pair of adjacent beach markers, that angle is actually one point (with the same angle value) along a circular grid line (see Fig. 1b). Because a single sextant angle does not represent a fixed location, two angles must be taken between two pairs of beach markers in order to pinpoint a location. For example, an angle shot between stations A-B and a second angle shot between angles B-C (see Fig. 1b) forms a circular grid that intersects at one point. Therefore, a data recorder standing on the stern of the boat above the blowers can pinpoint an excavation unit precisely by taking paired sextant angles. After gathering the sextant angles, the data recorder can plot a salvage vessel’s excavation unit and artifact recovery areas by duplicating a sextant angle on a 3-armed protractor and aligning the protractor’s arms with the appropriate beach marker stations shown on the base map (see Fig. 1a).

    When a salvage crew is working inside an area of base map coverage, a sextant should be used to shoot the offshore position of each artifact recovery location and each excavation unit. If structural remains or a major artifact cluster are encountered on one of the sites, a more precise means of mapping is required (for measuring, photographing, and mapping structural remains and major artifact clusters, see the Archaeological Guidelines, number 5). Sextant shots are generally taken by shooting two angles between three adjacent sextant markers nearest to a salvage boat’s location. The sextant beach marker located directly inshore from the salvage vessel should be used as the middle (pivot) station for the sextant shots. For example, if the sextant station “B” is the middle marker, then the first sextant shot should be taken from the southern “A” marker to the middle “B” marker and the second sextant shot should be taken from the middle “B” marker to the northern “C” marker.

    Beach markers and base maps have been established for the known wreck sites eligible for salvage. When a crew is conducting exploration activity outside the areas of base map coverage, other means of offshore positioning can be used (Loran C for example). However, if a shipwreck remains are discovered outside the areas of base map coverage, the new found wrecksite should not be salvaged until the Bureau and Salvors, Inc., have had time to inspect the site, determine its eligibility. Any wreck site without beach markers is not to be worked until beach markers have been erected and the sextant means of mapping has been established.

    In the event a salvage boat is working too far out or otherwise outside the areas of base map coverage, the data recorder should record the positions of survey targets and dig spots by using Loran C or GPS (Global Positioning Satellite receiver) electronic positioning equipment. Similar to the archaeological guidelines, which require relatively accurate positioning when known wreck scatter is being worked, it is important to maintain the highest possible positioning accuracy when operating in an exploration survey mode. The accuracy electronic positioning devices varies widely. A GPS unit operating in high accuracy differential mode (D-GPS) is frequently the most accurate means of offshore positioning. Loran C is the next most accurate means of positioning and GPS not operating in differential mode or in low accuracy differential mode is the least accurate means of positioning.

    Differential mode means the GPS receiver on the boat is able to communicate with a fixed land-based station established over a known point. Since the land station is on a known point it corrects the mobile (boat) station’s location. The error in GPS receivers is expressed as a center circle area (radius of a circular area) in X number of feet or meters. Therefore, a target on the sea floor which you have taken a position fix on with a GPS will occur anywhere within the circle of error your GPS allows. There are a number of ways a given GPS can be operated in differential mode (D-GPS mode). Position accuracies can now be obtained within a few millimeters (less than an inch) of their actual geographic location on earth (and can be output as Latitude and Longitude, UTMs, etc. depending on your model’s capabilities). The prices of  high accuracy D-GPS units are now falling and new companies are offering high accuracy differential signals which is making this technology more affordable. There are more affordable means of obtaining D-GPS positions, but, as you may have already guessed, less expensive also means less accurate. Perhaps the most affordable way to obtain moderately accurate D-GPS signals will be the US Coast Guard’s D-GPS beacons (or slave stations) which now broadcast from Egmont Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay and will soon broadcast from Cape Canaveral.  The Coast Guard’s D-GPS signal allows the user to acquire positions in real time (on site, when you are there) without the pain of processing stored way-point positions through computer software back at the office.

    The Egmont beacon is officially open and now broadcasting position correction data to D-GPS vessels. Position accuracy of the US Coast Guard D-GPS signal can be very accurate depending on the capability of the user’s D-GPS unit. If you have a D-GPS unit capable of resolving position to sub-meter accuracy and the software, the Coast Guard beacons will supposedly resolve to that accuracy.  The broadcast range from the Egmont station is said to be 250 miles and a few salvors from the East Coast have used the Egmont signal but say it fades out during the day due to thunderstorm activity occurring in the central peninsula between Egmont and this coast.

    A GPS operating without the benefit of a differential signal is not able to reduce (correct) its center circle error. In-other-words, a position taken without differential will have an error factor equal to a circle with a 300 ft. radius (600 ft. across). Therefore, a GPS reading taken one day will subsequently migrate anywhere within a 600 ft. circle from the real target location originally found. Because there is such a larger error factor using GPS without differential, Loran C positioning is recommended.

    Differential mode GPS or Loran C are only to be used as a single source of offshore positioning when work is being conducted outside the areas of base map coverage. During the 1996 season high accuracy D-GPS readings can and should be taken in conjunction with sextant angles when working in an area of base map coverage. The data recorder is to clearly indicate the type of positioning method(s) used on the field note form.  If a wrecksite is found outside an area of beach marker coverage it is not to be worked until the method of means and positioning has been established.

Site or Wreck  PUT BASE MAP NAME HERE, EXAMPLE GREEN CABIN SITE  Contract No. S-23
Date    JUNE 8, 1996   Time on site  4 Hrs digging         Work Vessel     MV Bail-My-Water 11 Weather and Sea State Partly cloudy, SE wind 5-picking up 15+   Water Visibility    50  ft. silty CrewSam Tucker,    Fred Waterman,    Tod Jones,    Kathy Smith,    Heather Johns, and   Bubba Tarkenson  Daily Activities      Excavation of sediment between exposed rock outcrops__ Data RecorderW. ShakespeareBase Points A-B, B-C, C-D Metal Detector Type     Aquapulse

Archaeological Field Notes and Summary of Daily Activities:
 

Once the crew of a salvage vessel has set anchors and excavation or recovery operations are ready to begin, the data recorder is to:

1) Identify the site area being worked by its base map name.

2) Identify which beach markers are to be used for taking sextant angles for position by their letter or number designations.

The data recorder is then ready to start filling out the field note(s). The data recorder should use a hard point, indelible ink pen to record field notes and summaries onto the NCR triplicate forms.

The information blanks on the top section of the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research, Daily Field Note and Activity Log are to be filled out first (See the Categories of Field Note data page 12 and example Daily Field Note and Activity Log page 10). The top right hand corner of the form has a space for page number (Page ___ of ___), please number the page(s). In the space for Site or Wreck, please use the base map’s name. Again, it is important for the field note forms to reflect and identify the correct base map name. Therefore, if a salvor recovers a 1715 dated coin in the Green Cabin (1618 wreck) area of base map coverage, the data recorder should identify the Site or Wreck as in the Green Cabin area of base map coverage. The space for Base Points should reflect the beach marker designations which were used by the data recorder to take sextant shots. If a salvor begins work in the area of Corrigan’s base map coverage then moves to the Green Cabin site on the same day, separate field notes should be kept for each site worked.

Once digging/recovery operations begin, the data recorder should use the second part of the form intended for Archaeological Field Notes and Summary of Daily Activities. This part of the form is intended for two purposes.

• First, during excavation and artifact recovery, the space is provided for information which include Hole #, Position, Bottom Terrain, Depth, Tag No., Qty. (Quantify), and description should be filled out in the spaces provided (see example on page 10):

The Categories of Field Note data (see example of Daily Field Note and Activity Log page 10):

1) Hole # - One space - For each area of base map coverage use sequential numbering starting with hole # 1 for the first hole followed by # 2 for the second hole and consecutively higher numbers for any additional holes or surface collected artifact recovery areas as they are done. Follow through with numbering holes consecutively higher throughout the field season. Keeping field notes in this manner keeps your data organized and simplifies the work of others. Thus, if your vessel works the Green Cabin and Sandy Point base map areas in 1996, your field notes for the Green Cabin base map area should start with hole or recovery location # 1, 2, 3, etc. and likewise, start with hole or recovery location # 1, 2, 3, etc., for the Sandy Point base map area.

2) Position (or station no.) - two spaces - are to be used to record the beach marker designations and the sextant angle taken between two pairs of beach markers (ex. A-B 45 27.0’, B-C 47 35.0’; see the example on page 7). You are also encouraged to record high accuracy D-GPS positions in conjunction with sextant angles within areas of base map coverage during the 1996 season (see example on page 10). Do Not use D-GPS or Loran C as the only means of offshore positioning in an area of base map coverage - TAKE SEXTANT ANGLES ON THE BEACH MARKERS.

3) Bottom Terrain - one space - to record the diver’s observation regarding the bottom terrain and stratigraphy being excavated or observations while surface collecting takes place (ex. sandy bottom with 2 ft. of sand, then 1 ft. shell-hash, then bedrock. Also rock outcrops are located near by dig spots).

4) Depth - one space - depth of the water. It is preferable to record both the depth to natural bottom and hole depth.

5) Tag No. - one space - An artifact tag bearing a unique field specimen number for an artifact or group of the same type of artifacts from the same hole. Refer to the attached ARCHAEOLOGICAL GUIDELINES for the details regarding artifact tagging.

6) Qty. - (Quantity) - one space - Total number of like artifacts tagged under a single tag number as a group. Remember, tagging more than one artifact with a single tag is allowable only if the artifacts being grouped together are of the same type and are from the same hole. Other artifacts, such as precious or unique items, are to be tagged individually. Always tag artifacts from different holes or surface collected locations with different tag numbers. If several of the same type of precious objects are recovered from the same hole, for instance, 8 gold escudo coins, they are to be tagged separately. If only one artifact is given a tag, record the quantity as one.

7) Description - one space - Type of artifact(s) observed or recovered. If a hole is dug and nothing is found, write down that nothing was found in that hole (NF = nothing found). When large artifacts such as cannons are found, they should be tagged if they have not already been tagged, but not recovered unless permission has been granted by the Bureau and Salvors. The tag number should be recorded in the description with a clear indication it was observed but not recovered.

Remember that field note data must be recorded in the spaces provided.

• SECOND, during the times when the excavation and/or recovery operations are not occupying the data recorder’s full attention, the data recorder can compile stratigraphic maps or artifact drawings and record other information such as a summary of daily activities at day’s end. These types of data can be written across the Daily Field Note and Activity Log without regard to the spaces provided for field note data. Drawings or maps can be done on a separate sheet of paper which is to be attached to the field notes for that day. Drawings, etc. done on plain paper should include: what field note form it belongs to, the Vessel’s name or ID, base map or area worked, date, and data recorder’s name.

A)    All excavation holes should be numbered consecutively for each area of base map coverage worked starting with hole # 1 for the first hole, # 2 for the second hole, and consecutively higher for other holes as they are dug.

B)    If more than one area of base map coverage is worked on the same day, separate field note forms should be kept for each area worked. Notes for work conducted on different days or different areas of base map coverage should not be kept on the same field note form. If no work is being conducted due to bad weather or mechanical problems, then a single field note form can be used to reflect the consecutive days of no work up to the end of the calendar month. All days from the start to finish of the field season are to be accounted for on the field note forms. Tom Gore collects the field notes from Salvors, Inc., about once every two weeks during the active salvage season. Field notes that Tom Gore cannot account for because they have not been turned in prior to the middle of the following month are considered late. After the salvage season has ended, unaccounted for days not reflected in the field notes are considered as potential missing field notes and data. Therefore, field notes reflecting work and no work days should be submitted to Salvors, Inc., by the end of the first full week of the month.

C)    Full-size or reduced-size copies of the base maps are to be carried on board all salvage vessels. Among other reasons, these maps are intended to be used by the data recorder to ensure he or she identifies the area of base map coverage being worked as well as the sextant marker designation.

D)    Stay inside the salvage contract boundary when conducting either excavation or artifact recovery operations, to do otherwise is a violation of the law subject to prosecution.

E)     The data recorder must record the correct name of the site area (base map name) being worked on the field note forms (i.e. Corrigans, Middle Area, Green Cabin --- etc.).

F)    The data recorder should use the correct base map for plotting dig and recovery locations.

G)    The data recorder should use the correct sextant beach marker designations when recording sextant angles on the field notes.

H)    In the event a vessel is too far offshore or outside an area of base map coverage, the data recorder should take differential mode D-GPS or Loran C readings.

I)    In cases when a vessel is close enough to the beach to use sextant but three sextant stations cannot be identified for positioning, digging and recovery operations are to be stopped until Salvors, Inc., and the Bureau (Tom Gore) have arranged and replaced the missing markers. No one is to erect new sextant markers without the knowledge and approval of Salvors, Inc., and Tom Gore. Salvors, Inc., and the Bureau will try to replace the markers in the same location so additional survey work is not needed. If an adjusted location is used, that information will be made available to subcontractors.

J)    The data recorder is to record information on Hole #, Sextant designation and readings, Bottom terrain, Depth, Tag #, Quantity, and Description on the field notes in the space provided on the form for that data.

K)    Tag recovered artifacts shortly after they are brought to the surface so they do not get mixed up with other recoveries from other holes.

L)    Remember to use one tag for each precious artifact recovered.

M)    Display your vessel’s identification number where it can be seen from another boat and from the air.

N)    The primary contractors, Salvors, Inc., and Peninsular Exploration are to determine where recoveries have been made when excavations and recovery is taking place along the border of the S-26/S-34 contracts.

O)    Remember Do Not use old base maps.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL GUIDELINES
FOR SHIPWREKCS OFF THE COAST OF FLORIDA SALVAGED UNDER
CONTRACT TO THE STATE BY SALVORS, INC.

      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 Salvors, Inc. Salvors, Inc will establish position finder stations, and the Department of State, Division of Archives, History and Records Management will assist Salvors, Inc 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 Salvors, Inc 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 Salvors, Inc 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 Salvors, Inc 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 Salvors, Inc 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 Salvors, Inc and unless transfer, storage, and conservation facilities approved by the Division and Salvors, Inc 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 Salvors, Inc 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 Salvors, Inc 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 Salvors, Inc. 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 Salvors, Inc 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, Salvors, Inc will provide a professional archaeologist and sufficient trained assistants to supervise the number of vessels used in exploration and salvage activities.

     12.  Reporting Requirements

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