UNESCO Convention & Legal Status
The Titanic, now protected under the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, requires international cooperation due to its cultural, historical, and archaeological value.
Conflicting Jurisdictions
Although the Titanic rests beyond Canada’s 200-nautical-mile limit, the wreck’s proximity to Canada’s continental shelf raises jurisdictional complexities under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Private vs. Public Interests
Court rulings have prioritized public access and conservation over commercial rights. RMS Titanic, Inc., the official salvor, is prohibited from selling artifacts individually, ensuring the preservation of the site and objects for educational and scientific purposes.
Preservation Standards
Strict guidelines emphasize preserving the Titanic in situ, with oversight by agencies like NOAA. This approach respects the wreck as a maritime memorial, discouraging invasive salvage.
International Cooperation
The agreement between the U.S., UK, Canada, and France highlights the need for multilateral management to protect the site from looting and unregulated salvage, ensuring it remains accessible to the public.
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Citation:
Mariano J. Aznar & Ole Varmer (2013) The Titanic as Underwater Cultural Heritage: Challenges to its Legal International Protection, Ocean Development & International Law, No. 44
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