In the marine environment the role of a voluntary Licensee and their team has long been recognised as essential to the system that helps to manage historic wreck sites in England’s territorial waters. However, it is also recognised throughout the sector that the demographic of licensee teams is one of an ageing population. To address MSDS Marine have been working with the South West Maritime Archaeology Group (SWMAG), thanks to funding from Historic England, to get new divers involved with the team and to ensure knowledge is passed on and not lost.
The Salcombe Cannon wreck lies off West Prawle in Devon, to the south east of Salcombe. SWMAG consist of a group of divers with a passion for history from the sea. They have been Licensees of the Salcombe Cannon site for many years. This video was filmed in May 2024 during fieldwork with SWMAG and new volunteer divers.