International Shipwreck Conference

Saturday 4th February - The 30th International Shipwreck Conference.

We arrived at the Robbins conference centre in Plymouth around 9am. A quick cup of tea, a chat with Mark Dunkley from English Heritage and into the auditorium.

An intro from Richard Larn first then a talk from Rex Cowan. Rex talked about the new MMO legislation and how it will affect divers. Next was Mark Ellyatt and a talk about the HMS Victoria and how it has changed since it was found in 2004, mainly through bad fishing methods. Very entertaining and interesting.

Tea Break and a chat with Kevin Camidge about becoming the nominated archaeologist for the two wrecks I am licensee of.

Next talk was by Sean Fisher and he talked about changes in technology and the Atocha wreck. The atocha was found by Sean grandfather, Mel Fisher, after years of hard work and searching. Anothe interesting and entertaining talk.

Lunch Break and a chat with some people I did the NAS Intro and NAS Part 1 courses with.

Neville Oldham once again introduced the next speaker, Richard Larn OBE. Richard talked about some of the wrecks found around Devon and Cornwall over the last 30 years.

Brett Phaneuf talked about shipwreck discoveries in Norway, which was very interesting and entertaining too.

Tea Break and a chat with Mark Ellyatt about my recent expansion and things in general.

Andy Seddon then talked about the BSAC Expedition diving scheme, introducing divers of all levels to expedition archaeology. Mike Williams talked about the MMO's legislation and how there is no guidance for it yet. Mark Dunkley talked about EH's positions regarding the MMO and other projects. Finally Peter Holt gave a quick chat on the SHIPS projects around Plymouth.

Altogether a very interesting and entertaining day. Great to catch up with some old friends and acquaintances during the day.