Mission & Goals
The Mission of SPSNL is to advance the awareness, documentation and stewardship of shipwrecks throughout our province.
The Objectives of SPSNL are to: promote the study, documentation and appreciation of Newfoundland & Labrador shipwrecks, and training in the historical, archaeological and diving methods needed to achieve this goal; promote the preservation of provincial shipwrecks through diver education and wreck protection activities; and promote a public awareness of shipwrecks and the importance of our nautical heritage to the history of Newfoundland & Labrador, in partnership with local communities and cultural heritage organizations. All SPSNL initiatives are founded on values of fellowship, inclusion and respect.
- Board of Directors ↓
- Code of Conduct ↓
- SPSNL Bylaws – (last updated May 22, 2013)
- Become a Sponsor
SPSNL Board of Directors
President
Neil Burgess
Neil is an archaeologist, scientific and technical diver, and retired wildlife biologist. He has a B.A. (Honours) in Archaeology from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Vice-President
Ken Keeping
Ken is a maritime archaeologist, commercial diver and marine survey consultant. He has a Masters degree in Maritime Archaeology from Flinders University.
Secretary
Kirk Regular
Kirk is the marine geomatics lead at the Centre for Applied Ocean Technology (CTec), a division of Marine Institute’s School of Ocean Technology. CTec is continuously engaged in seabed mapping projects from Newfoundland’s coastal waters to the Arctic.
Treasurer
Greg Vineham
Director
Rick Stanley
Rick is the owner of Ocean Quest Adventures, which is the only scuba diving retail and charter operation in the province. His passion is providing world-class wreck diving opportunities to local and visiting divers. He is also interested in discovering more about our province’s shipwreck heritage.
Director
Nicholas Hamilton
Director
Adam Templeton
Code of Conduct
SPSNL has adapted this code of conduct from that of Save Ontario Shipwrecks, with the kind permission of SOS.
Each member of the Shipwreck Preservation Society of Newfoundland & Labrador Inc. (SPSNL) agrees to observe and comply with the following:
PRINCIPLES: SPSNL fully supports the objects and principles of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (2001) and expects all members to adhere fully thereto.
STEWARDSHIP: SPSNL and its members act as stewards of our maritime heritage through the preservation, documentation and interpretation of shipwrecks and other submerged or nautical-related material culture.
PRESERVATION: SPSNL is dedicated to the preservation in place of shipwrecks and other archaeological remains. Members shall practice low-impact diving techniques and refrain from collecting artifacts, except as part of a licensed archaeological study. If there is an archaeological study, arrangements must be made for the conservation and curation of any remains recovered.
RESPONSIBILITY: SPSNL members shall adhere to the letter and spirit of all applicable legislation (i.e. the Historic Resources Act of NL) and should inform the relevant authorities (including police or government bodies) of any contraventions thereof.
STANDARDS: Members of SPSNL shall ensure that they are sufficiently trained and qualified for their role in any archaeological project. Members are encouraged to participate in training programs, including Nautical Archaeology Society courses.
DOCUMENTATION: The results of SPSNL projects shall be preserved through the production and dissemination of reports. Project leaders must maintain an archive of records, including field notes and reports, or make appropriate arrangements for this purpose.
COMMUNITY: The results of SPSNL projects must be communicated to the archaeological community and to the general public, including local media and related communities. Members must take extra care to not disturb human remains, and project leaders should encourage local representation and involvement.
PUBLIC OWNERSHIP: Artifacts on or recovered from marine heritage sites remain public property, even when collected under an archaeological license. Members shall refrain from the commercial trafficking of marine heritage artifacts, particularly the buying or selling of unlawful or undocumented artifacts. Ownership of all archaeological objects is vested in the Crown for the people of the province whether recovered under permit or otherwise. Hence, all archaeological activity (underwater and on land) is regulated.
INTEGRITY: The name or logos of SPSNL shall only be used for promotions, publications or projects sanctioned by SPSNL.
REPORTING: Any SPSNL member that discovers an undocumented historic wreck or site shall not communicate their finding publicly. The SPSNL member shall immediately communicate the details of their discovery to the NL Provincial Archaeology Office and to a member of the SPSNL board of directors, who shall advise members about the next steps.
