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Technological Advancement and Legislation as Keys to Enhanced Maritime Archaeology Explorations

Technological Advancement and Legislation as Keys to Enhanced Maritime Archaeology Explorations

Tuesday, 31/1/2023

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Maritime archaeology is a systematic study of any forms of cultural and environmental remains underwater to reconstruct the past, with one of its main focus being shipwrecks.

Generally, there is not much difference between underwater archaeology and land archaeology, except in terms of the environment and equipment. To date, Malaysia has taken the measures to protect, preserve, and manage historical shipwrecks along the country’s waters.

However, without comprehensive laws being applied to the international waters, the historical heritage cannot be protected. Malaysia has ratified the National Heritage Act 2005 to protect underwater cultural heritage.

Each discovery is placed at a selected museum or higher education institution. For example, on 16 August 1606, there was a battle at Cape Rachado, now known as Tanjung Tuan. The battle between the Portuguese and the Dutch had caused the Nassau ship to sink at Port Dickson’s waters. The ship was built in 1602 and belonged to the Dutch East India Company.

Among the historical objects found on the ship were 15 cannons, cannon balls, steel and bronze rifles, two steel anchors, lead bullets, ceramics from Europe, a barrel made from animal bones, shillings, pottery from China, and a glass bottle with “Van Hovoken and Co Rotterdam” written on it. These historical objects are displayed at Muzium Lukut in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.

Objects found on a shipwreck on the waters of Bidong Island are placed at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). The ship, better known as The Bidong Wreck, sank at U 5°37.546´T 103°2.514´ coordinate. It is still being studied by researchers at UMT in collaboration with the National Heritage Department.

One of the challenges in maritime archaeology is that the scientific excavation is time consuming and costly. As a result, the scope of the effort is limited to recovery of treasures, while other remains are left behind or destroyed.

At the international level, there have been many innovations in maritime archaeology. Modern technology has finally enabled the field to expand. Equipment using the latest technology has helped maritime archaeology experts to explore the deep sea for shipwreck remains.

In Malaysia, aspects concerning maritime archaeology, whether the technology, legislation, or expertise, have not been fully developed. Among the suggestions for improvement are sending local experts overseas so they can learn more about maritime archaeology from renowned professionals and renewing the diplomatic networking with other countries so that new technology can be incorporated into maritime archaeology studies in Malaysia.  

In addition, Malaysia must take proactive measures to become a member in various international conventions related to preservation of maritime heritage in order to improve the current legislation.

 

Prepared by:

Dr. Nik Nurhalida Nik Hariry

Lecturer

Faculty of Maritime Studies

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

 

Published by:

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu