Titanic Maritime Memorial Act

Introduction and Background

• Purpose: The Act aims to designate the Titanic shipwreck as a maritime memorial and provide guidelines for research, exploration, and salvage activities.
• Historical Significance: The Titanic, which sank in 1912, is considered a significant maritime disaster with over 1,500 lives lost. The shipwreck is located in international waters.

Key Testimonies and Discussions

1. Dr. Robert Ballard:

   • Discovery: Led the expedition that discovered the Titanic wreck in 1985.
   • Technological Achievements: Utilized advanced technology like the ARGO/JASON system for deep-sea exploration.
   • Preservation: Emphasized the importance of preserving the wreck as a historical site and opposed commercial salvage operations.

2. Jack F. Grimm:

   • Previous Expeditions: Conducted multiple expeditions to locate the Titanic before its discovery.
   • Salvage Concerns: Expressed concerns about the potential restrictions on salvage operations and emphasized the importance of private enterprise in exploration.

3. Dr. Nancy Foster (NOAA):

   • USS Monitor Experience: Shared NOAA’s experience in managing the USS Monitor wreck as a maritime memorial.
   • Guidelines Development: Recommended developing guidelines in collaboration with other nations to protect the Titanic.

4. Brian J. Hoyle (State Department):

   • International Cooperation: Stressed the need for international cooperation to protect the Titanic.
   • Legal and Jurisdictional Issues: Highlighted the complexities of ownership and jurisdiction over the wreck.

5. Dr. Frank L. Wiswall, Jr.:

   • IMO Involvement: Suggested using the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as a forum for negotiating international agreements to protect the Titanic.

Legislative Provisions

• Section 1: Short Title - “Titanic Maritime Memorial Act of 1985.”
• Section 2: Findings and Purposes - Recognizes the Titanic as a maritime memorial and outlines the purposes of the Act.
• Section 5: National Guidelines - Directs the development of guidelines for research, exploration, and salvage.
• Section 6: International Agreement - Calls for negotiations with other nations to establish an international agreement for the protection of the Titanic.

Conclusion

The hearing underscored the Titanic’s historical significance and the need for careful management and preservation of the wreck. It highlighted the importance of international cooperation and the development of guidelines to ensure the Titanic remains a protected maritime memorial.