Groupe de préservation
des vestiges subaquatiques de Manicouagan

GPVSM

Objectives

  1. Train members.
  2. Make divers and the general public aware of the need to preserve underwater archaeological remains.
  3. Survey such remains.
  4. Study such remains.
  5. Assist authorized specialists in evaluating, conserving and protecting such remains.
  6. Assist authorized specialists during fieldwork.
  7. Develop and enhance underwater archaeological remains under professional supervision.
  8. Preserve submerged cultural remains on the North Shore for the benefit of the local population.

Code of ethics

  1. Follow the introductory technical courses on the protection of underwater archaeological remains designed by the Nautical Archaeological Society (NAS), or, if such courses are unavailable, undergo the basic introductory training offered by the Groupe de préservation. Adhere to the principles outlined during these courses.
  2. Make divers and the general public aware of the principles governing the preservation of underwater archaeological remains.
  3. If necessary, assist authorized specialists responsible for evaluating, conserving and protecting such remains.
  4. Take NAS introductory fieldwork courses in order to assist authorized specialists in the field.
  5. Preserve submerged cultural remains on the North Shore for the benefit of the local population.
  6. Maintain the confidentiality of information as long as required by the board of directors of the Groupe de préservation.
  7. Follow the group's general rules.
  8. Observe the diving levels authorized by diving cards.

In the event of a chance discovery, the members of the Groupe de préservation must:

  1. Refrain from displacing artifacts.
  2. Take photographs and/or record the discovery on video and/or on a drawing.
  3. Establish reference points (locate the place of discovery).
  4. Protect artifacts if possible and if necessary.
  5. Contact the group's executive if immediate action is required (removal of objects, site assessment).
  6. As a last resort, and only if an object is truly in danger, remove it and explain why such action was necessary to the executive.

If objects are removed, the person who made the discovery must contact the Receiver of Wrecks (Transport Canada) and the regional office of the ministère de la Culture et des Communications.

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