Background

A list of relevant consultees was drawn up in early 2016 to help create the Marine Antiquities Scheme (MAS). These included government offices, national curatorial bodies, heritage bodies, fisheries organisations, diving organisations, and other relevant groups, who helped establish the parameters and structure of the MAS. With input from project team members, in March 2016 the draft MAS Guide was sent to the consultees for review and comment. Further consultation refined the scheme’s approach and the functionality of the app to ensure it met expectations. After a comprehensive review and testing process, the MAS was launched in July 2016.

The MAS is funded by The Crown Estate and implemented by Wessex Archaeology. The MAS is largely based on the Portable Antiquities Scheme managed by The British Museum.