Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract/Objectives

The concept of “Protect Shipwrecks Day” originated from the Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) in the United Kingdom. Promoted by the organization for many years, the initiative has become both established and influential. This event continues in the same spirit while drawing upon NAS’s valuable experience. By designating a commemorative day, the aim is to enhance public awareness and foster broader engagement with issues related to the preservation of underwater cultural heritage. Protect Shipwrecks Day is scheduled annually on the third weekend of August (Friday to Sunday). Each year, one designated shipwreck is selected as the thematic focus, around which a series of outreach activities are organized. Through diverse program formats, the event seeks to broaden participation across different sectors of society.

Results/Contributions

From August 15 to August 17, ROC Year 114 (2025), the Center collaborated with the Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture, to organize the “2025 Protect Shipwrecks Day.” The listed shipwreck General No. 1 was selected as the theme of the year. A three-day series of activities was held at the Penghu Living Museum.


The event targeted both divers and the general public, and was structured around three main components:


Listed Shipwreck Diving Camp


Public Lectures on Underwater Cultural Heritage


Thematic Exhibition on Listed Shipwrecks


These activities guided participants into the world of underwater archaeology from multiple perspectives.


The public lecture series attracted a total of 75 participants and was held at the Penghu Living Museum. Four courses were offered:


Discovering Underwater Archaeology


Discovering Underwater Cultural Heritage


Discovering Listed Shipwrecks


Discovering General No. 1


These lectures were designed to establish foundational knowledge of underwater cultural heritage for participants.


The thematic exhibition centered on this year’s featured shipwreck, General No. 1, while also introducing the other seven listed shipwrecks. Through illustrated panels and explanatory texts, the exhibition presented the historical backgrounds, representative recovered artifacts, and archaeological investigation processes of the listed wrecks, enabling visitors to quickly gain a comprehensive overview.


A total of 22 participants were selected for the Listed Shipwreck Diving Camp. To ensure safety and adequate underwater competency, all participants underwent a qualification review process. Under the guidance of the underwater archaeology team, participants visited the General No. 1 wreck site in person. They practiced nautical chart mapping and simulated reporting procedures for underwater cultural heritage discoveries. In addition, they visited the underwater archaeology field station to observe artifact conservation procedures.


At the conclusion of the program, participants underwent an assessment to qualify as site guides. Those who successfully passed were awarded a Certificate of Completion as a Listed Shipwreck Site Guide by the Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture.

Keywords

Underwater Cultural HeritageUnderwater Archaeology, ShipwrecksJiangjun No. 1Site GuidesPublic Archaeology

References

Contact Information

毛若菡
rh_mao@gapp.nthu.edu.tw