Historic wreck in international waters: conflict or consensus?

The attempt to frame a Convention to protect underwater cultural heritage was initiated principally as a response to perceived threats from irresponsible salvage operations utilising new deep sea technology for commercial gain. This article evaluates the current UNESCO approach, suggests that narrow group interests have enjoyed disproportionate attention in the debate and proposes that a greater degree of consensus is a prerequisite for the success of the draft Convention for the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.