Frequently Asked Questions
 Is Shipwrecks UK now available? 
Shipwrecks UK received its first public airing at the
Nautical Archaeology Society Conference in Portsmouth on 12th November
2005, where it received significant plaudits.
These have been added to many times since, most recently at the
Tercentenary Commemorations for the HMS Association loss.
Many people saw demonstrations at the 24th
International Shipwreck Conference in Plymouth on 4th February 2006,
and the system has also been very favourably reviewed, following
`live` demonstrations, by: the Director, Collections and Research
and Head of Online Projects at the National Maritime
Museum, Greenwich; the Editor
of Diver Magazine; staff at the National Monuments
Record in Swindon; staff of Wessex Archaeology
in Old Sarum; PADI
International in Bristol; Dava
Sobel, Sir Arnold Wolfendale and others at the Tercentenary
Commemorations of the `Association` fleet loss in 1707; staff of
Oxford Archaeology; University of
Oxford International Programmes; Britannia Naval Research Association; Diving and Manned Submersibles Committee of the Society for Underwater Technology (chaired by Dr John Bevan); Curator and Archivist of the Museum of London, Docklands; and Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre.
It already provides unrivalled functionality, using web
technology, and its content exceeds that made available in print
through the Shipwreck Index. It will never be 'finished', any more
than archaeological research can ever be considered finished. We
are ready to release the product live, on the world wide web, as
soon as the financial aspects associated with public access have
been resolved.
What will Shipwrecks UK cost to access?
We continue to explore options for the system to be made
available on the web free of charge (while becoming ready for other
alternatives if necessary). In this way there would be no obstacle
to its widespread use. We are aware of demand from educators, archaeologists,
government departments, historians, genealogists, divers and many
other groups of users. We also wish to encourage addition, amplification
and correction of content (eg as more becomes known about a wreck
and its position). A subscriber system would inevitably inhibit
the take-up and thwart a wider appreciation of the maritime heritage
of the British Isles. If
you are interested in sponsoring Shipwrecks UK, to support free
access to the full on-line resource, then please contact
us.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A RESEARCH SERVICE,
AIDED BY THE SYSTEM AND OUR OTHER EXTENSIVE REFERENCES, ON A FEE-FOR-SERVICE
BASIS.
 Shipwrecks UK Ltd
Who is Shipwrecks UK aimed at?
Anyone who has a personal or professional interest in
shipwrecks and the maritime heritage of the British Isles. For those
who have an urgent requirement for British Isles shipwreck information
(for example, by the media in conjunction with breaking stories)
then Shipwrecks UK will be especially valuable.
How will Shipwrecks UK be updated?
Alan Jones and Richard Larn are continuing to update
and refine content, building on the vast amount of accumulated shipwrecks
data contained originally within Richard and Bridget Larn's Lloyds
Register Shipwreck Index volumes. This includes making their considerable
photographic archive available to users of the site. Shipwrecks
UK also values highly the contributions of others with shipwreck
expertise, whether through recreational and archaeological diving,
in-depth knowledge of locations, shipbuilders, shipping lines and
the like, or through personal associations with particular shipwrecks.
Photographic and other illustrations for use on the site will always
be appreciated and credit will be given, with a link to providers'
own sites if this is desired. If Shipwrecks UK can become a free,
community resource then this will inevitably encourage contributions
of information and graphic resources.
Where can I see a demonstration of Shipwrecks
UK?
We provided a demonstration of the Shipwrecks UK resource as part of our presentation to the 26th International Shipwreck Conference on 9th February 2008 on `Mapping our Shipwreck
Heritage`.
If you would like us to arrange a demonstration for you
and / or are interested in becoming a sponsor for Shipwrecks UK
then please contact Shipwrecks UK.
What are the system requirements for Shipwrecks
UK?
Shipwrecks UK provides information-rich, easy-on-the-eye
displays, exploiting up to date web features. Most PCs bought within
the last few years will support the requirements which are:
- 1280 x 1024 display.
- The free
SVG 3 viewer
if this is not already installed.
- JavaScript enabled.
- Broadband connectivity.
How many wrecks are detailed within Shipwrecks UK?
Well over 44,000 shipwrecks, within the sea areas surrounding
Great Britain and Ireland. The number continues to grow, as a result
of additional research, acquisition of additional historic reference
material, and new wrecks.
Can I submit questions about shipwrecks
in the seas surrounding the British Isles before the Shipwrecks
UK system is publicly available?
Richard and Bridget Larn, and Alan Jones, will be delighted
to answer any questions that you may have and to prepare a well-researched
response. There will be a modest charge for this service to cover
ongoing costs. Please contact Shipwrecks
UK Ltd.
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