The Scientific and Technical Advisory Body (STAB) is a crucial organ of the 2001 Convention. Consisting of 12 elite experts in underwater archaeology and related fields, its core responsibilities are a) to provide advice to the Meeting of States Parties in questions of a scientific or technical nature and b) to assist States Parties in matters related to underwater heritage.

States that lack underwater archaeologists, but face problems due to chance discoveries, treasure hunting, scientific doubts, etc. can call on the STAB for assistance. STAB experts are readily available to offer advice or, if necessary, to send a mission to the requesting State Party. Working through physical meetings, electronic exchange and missions, the STAB is dynamic and can intervene in a timely, low-cost manner, as demonstrated by the STAB’s recent investigations into the purported ‘Santa Maria’ wreck, upon request by Haiti or its Madagascar and Panama missions. Besides offering assistance on concrete practical matters, assistance can also be provided on legal issues, such as the revision of national heritage laws.

The assistance missions of the Advisory Body