Maritime heritage and historic ships - fourth report of session 2004-05, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence (Paperback)

The year 2005 marks the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar, as well as hosting SeaBritain 2005, a year-long festival of events which explore the UK's rich maritime heritage. Following on from previous reports on the preservation of historic ships published in 1998 and 1999, the Committee had undertaken a further inquiry into the strategy, administration and resources aimed at implementing the Government's stated policy of preserving its maritime heritage, focusing on above-water, historic vessels as museums rather than as archaeological sites. Issues discussed include the work of the National Historic Ships Unit; funding aspects; the tourist potential of historic ships and their role in regeneration of local areas; and the decline of conservation skills and expertise in maritime heritage.