Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database
The Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database (AUCHD) serves as a comprehensive digital archive dedicated to the preservation and documentation of maritime history. This searchable online resource catalogs shipwrecks, submerged aircraft, and various artefacts of cultural significance that are, or once were, located underwater.
The database evolved from the Australian National Shipwreck Database (ANSDB), which was originally developed by the Australasian Institute of Maritime Archaeology in December 2009. Over time, the scope of the database expanded significantly to include a wider array of submerged objects beyond traditional shipwrecks.
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Administrative History and Governance
The management of the AUCHD has transitioned through different government bodies to ensure its continued maintenance. Originally hosted by the Department of the Environment and Energy, the database was transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment on February 1, 2020, as part of a broader shift in environmental functions.
While the AUCHD is listed within the Department's "Heritage places and lists" and forms part of the broader Australian Heritage Database, it maintains its own distinct database structure and search facility.
Scope and Capabilities
The AUCHD provides a wealth of historical and environmental data focusing on the Oceania and Southeast Asian regions. It is designed to be a multi-faceted tool for historians, divers, and site managers.
Available Data and Features
- Technical Specifications: Detailed history and technical data regarding ships.
- Personnel Records: Information concerning passengers and crew members.
- Site Management: Specific site information tailored for divers and managers.
- Artefact Linking: The ability to link specific recovered artefacts back to their original shipwreck sites.
- Multimedia: Integration of images to provide visual context.
To ensure the database remains current and accurate, approved researchers from the general public may be recruited to help create or edit records.
Legal Protection and the UCH Act
Beyond its role as an information repository, the AUCHD serves as the official register of protected underwater cultural heritage under the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018 (the UCH Act). This legislation provides the legal framework for protecting shipwrecks, sunken aircraft, and associated artefacts.
The UCH Act is administered through a collaborative effort between the Commonwealth and the States, the Northern Territory, and Norfolk Island. The database provides a streamlined portal for the public to submit required notifications and permit applications as mandated by the Act.
Key Facts
- Original Name: Formerly known as the Australian National Shipwreck Database (ANSDB).
- Regional Focus: Oceania and Southeast Asia.
- Legal Status: Acts as the official register for the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018.
- Content: Includes shipwrecks, submerged aircraft, and cultural artefacts.
- Administration: Managed by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment since February 2020.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Searchable database of submerged cultural heritage |
| Geographic Coverage | Oceania and Southeast Asia |
| Governing Law | Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018 |
| Searchable Criteria | People, places, and themes |
| Collaborating Entities | Commonwealth, States, Northern Territory, and Norfolk Island |
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the AUCHD?
The Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database is an online, searchable archive containing data on shipwrecks, submerged aircraft, and other underwater artefacts of cultural significance in Oceania and Southeast Asia.
How does the AUCHD relate to the UCH Act?
The AUCHD serves as the official register for the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018, allowing the public to submit permit applications and notifications required by the law.
Can the general public contribute to the database?
Yes, approved researchers recruited from the public may be granted access to create or edit records within the database.
What kind of information can be found in the database?
Users can find technical ship specifications, passenger and crew data, site information for divers, images, and links between shipwrecks and their recovered artefacts.
Who currently maintains the database?
As of February 1, 2020, the database is maintained by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.