(a) The title to all abandoned shipwrecks and all archaeological sites and historic resources on or in the tide and submerged lands of California is vested in the state. All abandoned shipwrecks and all submerged archaeological sites and submerged historic resources of the state shall be in the custody and subject to the control of the commission for the benefit of the people of the state of California. The commission may transfer title, custody, or control to other state agencies or recognized scientific or educational organizations, institutions, or individuals by appropriate legal conveyance.
(b) As used in this section, “submerged archaeological site” and “submerged historic resource,” shall be given the broadest possible meaning, to include any submerged object, structure, building, watercraft, aircraft, or vessel and any associated cargo, armament, tackle, fixture, human remains, or remnant of those objects, or a site, area, person, or place, which is historically or archaeologically significant, or significant in the prehistory or history or exploration, settlement, engineering, commerce, militarism, recreation, or culture of California and that is partially or wholly embedded in or resting on state submerged or tidal lands.
(c) Sites with archaeological or historic significance shall be determined by reference to their eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources. Any submerged archaeological site or submerged historic resource remaining in state waters for more than 50 years shall be presumed to be archaeologically or historically significant. The commission, with the assistance of the State Office of Historic Preservation, shall identify, compile, and maintain an inventory of shipwreck sites, or sites of archaeological or historical significance and shall make the listing available to the public.
(d) Permits for salvage operations involving submerged archaeological sites or submerged historic resources may be granted by the commission when the proposed activity is justified by an educational, scientific, or cultural purpose, or the need to protect the integrity of the site or the resource. The commission may issue permits to individuals or organizations representing museums, universities, colleges, or other recognized scientific or educational institutions and individuals that demonstrate the capability to properly carry out archaeological investigations. The commission may deny an application for a permit to an applicant who the commission determines has not demonstrated the ability to properly conduct an archaeological investigation or salvage activities. The commission may consider the applicant’s past conduct with regard to salvage operations when making this determination.
(e) (1) Prior to the issuance of a permit under subdivision (d), the applicant shall provide to the commission a detailed project design that includes all of the following:
(A) The purpose of the project.
(B) A description of the methodology, technology, and equipment to be employed.
(C) The project funding source.
(D) A timetable for the completion of the project.
(E) The composition, qualifications, and responsibilities of the project team.
(F) A conservation and curation plan, if applicable.
(G) A plan to document all phases of the project.
(H) A safety plan.
(I) An outline and timetable for preparation and submission of progress reports and a final report.
(J) Other information that the commission deems necessary to properly evaluate the application.
(2) All activities permitted under subdivision (d) or required by this subdivision shall be accomplished under the direct supervision of a person who meets the qualifications required of a professional marine archaeologist.
(f) The commission shall forward applications for permits for archaeological investigation or excavation and recovery of historic vessels, aircraft, or other submerged historic resources in state waters, including the information required by subdivision (e), to the State Office of Historic Preservation, and may provide the applications and information to other qualified organizations and individuals, as appropriate, for technical review of the project design and recommendation concerning the preservation and protection of the site or resource.
(g) The commission shall provide for the disposition of all objects or other materials recovered, which may include provisions for display in museums, educational institutions, and other appropriate locations available to the public.
(h) The commission may contract with persons, firms, corporations, or institutions who, for the privilege of having temporary possession of recovered archaeological resources, will advance to the commission the money necessary to conduct salvage operations or to purchase from a permitholder, from his or her fair share, archaeological resources which the commission determines should remain the property of the state. A contract may be made only on the condition that the commission may, at any time, repay the money advanced, without interest or additional charges of any kind, and recover possession of the resources. During the time the resources are in the possession of the entity advancing the money, the resources shall be available for viewing by the general public at a nominal fee or without charge.
(i) The commission may also contract with other state agencies, qualified public or private institutions, local governments, or individuals for public display of the archaeological resources recovered. The commission shall require assurances that appropriate security, qualified personnel, insurance, and facilities for preservation, restoration, and display of the resources loaned are provided under the contract.
(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 135, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2007.)