Hearing about pirates of long ago some assume that they no longer exist.
But, The Bahamas recently worked on laws to fight piracy which would mean that we are at possible risk.
And while some feel that the thought of treasure maps and seeking treasures in our waters are as far fetched as the finding of Atlantis, we may find ourselves in for a bit of a shock.
The Bahamas' very history tells of ships that sank off its shores laden with gold and silver headed to the old world, even right off the shores of Grand Bahama.
The only Bahamian Archeologist, Michael Pateman recently spoke to the Rotary Club of Lucaya about the Antiquities Act and its importance to the country, at which time he also told of pirates who have been in our waters attempting to bring up treasure and removing it from the country unnoticed.
Pateman noted that in the past persons would come into the country asking for permission to salvage wrecks, on which they would find many items which would leave the country without anything coming to the country.
The finders would be rewarded handsomely and the treasure would not be traced back to the country.
In an effort to make sure that the country is also rewarded, the Antiquities Act was written and debated in Parliament.
Patemen said that with this document they will be able to monitor the persons who come into the country dive/salvage wrecks.
First they would need a license to do so which will cost $1,000.00.
He said that there is a limit on the number of licenses that would be issued at one time and the persons would have to state where they would be working exactly, and their positions would be monitored.
They would also have to give daily reports on their finds and document all the findings.
He noted that in the present legislation the country would receive 25 percent of all the profits from the recoveries.
With the changes that are going on Pateman said there is room for more archeologists in The Bahamas, and as they also need more scuba divers to assist in monitoring this fast opening field.
At present there is a stop on wrecking until all the necessary items are in place to monitor it better.
Wow its amazing when you read articles, how they sometimes completely screw up what was presented. But anyway, such is life. Just so you all know, I am Michael Pateman, and i will be the primary person dealing with Underwater Recovery in The Bahamas. I am posting so that I can answer any questions or clarify rumors etc that have been circulated.
Wow its amazing when you read articles, how they sometimes completely screw up what was presented. But anyway, such is life. Just so you all know, I am Michael Pateman, and i will be the primary person dealing with Underwater Recovery in The Bahamas. I am posting so that I can answer any questions or clarify rumors etc that have been circulated.
What's your definition of "Underwater Recovery", Michael?
Wow its amazing when you read articles, how they sometimes completely screw up what was presented. But anyway, such is life. Just so you all know, I am Michael Pateman, and i will be the primary person dealing with Underwater Recovery in The Bahamas. I am posting so that I can answer any questions or clarify rumors etc that have been circulated.
Can persons secure licenses prior to having a water-ready salvage operation?
Can you provide us with links (or, email if needed) of the application forms?
Thank you.
"There comes a time in every rightly-constructed boy's life when he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure..." - Twain
"Opportunity is like ice. As you're thinking about it, it's disappearing." - Unknown
mostly shipwreck recovery. But anything to do with Salavage and recovery of underwater cultural heritage.
Originally Posted by Alexandre
Originally Posted by bahamamike
Wow its amazing when you read articles, how they sometimes completely screw up what was presented. But anyway, such is life. Just so you all know, I am Michael Pateman, and i will be the primary person dealing with Underwater Recovery in The Bahamas. I am posting so that I can answer any questions or clarify rumors etc that have been circulated.
What's your definition of "Underwater Recovery", Michael?
I can not provide links just yet, as everything is in the final approval process, but will do when they are available.
Originally Posted by LSMorgan
Originally Posted by bahamamike
Wow its amazing when you read articles, how they sometimes completely screw up what was presented. But anyway, such is life. Just so you all know, I am Michael Pateman, and i will be the primary person dealing with Underwater Recovery in The Bahamas. I am posting so that I can answer any questions or clarify rumors etc that have been circulated.
Can persons secure licenses prior to having a water-ready salvage operation?
Can you provide us with links (or, email if needed) of the application forms?
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Re: Bahamian salvage vessel
Originally Posted by Alexandre
Then you shouldn't call it a "recovery" operation, Michael.
Originally Posted by bahamamike
ah thats what you meant. Yes archaeology is important. All people who apply for a licence will be required to have an archaeologist on the team.
Alexandre, doesn't the requirement to have an archaeologist on these operations satisfy you or are you only thinking of what Spain will not receive from these projects? Is that why you have an attitude?
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-- the "Sea Robin" -- 
Originally Posted by bahamamike
? Is that why you have an attitude?
