Maritime Survey

RCAHMS records evidence in both salt and fresh water, as well as 'museum' and 'preserved' vessels. Ports, harbours and lighthouses form part of the industrial survey. The information is made available via our Canmore and CANMAP databases.

Almost 20,000 records include:

• Wrecks – the demonstrable and located remains of lost vessels
• Casualties – historical, documentary or traditional accounts of lost vessels, without material remains and typically unlocated
• Obstructions – debris on the seabed
• Underwater Aircraft Wreckage

In each case RCAHMS tries to integrate all the available evidence, and to assess the degree of accuracy of the location cited and the identification of the vessel represented. We hold supporting archive material where this is available. RCAHMS does not have divers or research vessels, and we appreciate information from rescue archaeologists and amateur divers. The Nautical Archaeology Society can provide training.