Our Forward Plan
Introduction
The Advisory Committee has set a range of strategic objectives as the basis for National Historic Ships' work programme between 2008 and 2011, the period covered under our current funding agreement with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. These objectives balance practical needs (such as conservation services, grants and business support) with wider recognition of historic vessels as vital heritage assets integral to an understanding of our collective past, and our present society.
The Forward Plan sets objectives for:
Developing and maintaining the national registers covering historic vessels
Accurate information is fundamental to managing and sustaining the United Kingdom's historic vessels. In order to ensure that government and the nation as a whole has access to current data we shall:
- Review the National Register of Historic Vessels (NRHV) to ensure that the register is comprehensive and up to date.
- Develop the National Archive of Historic Vessels (NAHV) as the repository of information on ships lost from the NRHV through accident, neglect, or demolition.
- Review the registration criteria to ensure that they reflect the need to encourage all vessels over 50 years old and with UK associations to be registered on the National Register of Historic Vessels.
- Work closely with the National Maritime Museum Cornwall's developing National Small Boat Register (NSBR) to ensure a seamless continuum between the two.
- Review the National Historic Fleet (those vessels on the NRHV of prime national and regional heritage significance) to ensure that the Fleet is comprehensive in its coverage of all vessels with a key role in the history of the UK.
Protecting the future of historic Ships in the UK
Under present legislation, historic vessels have no protection against neglect or deliberate demolition other than under legislation for historic buildings (only 2 ships are protected in this way). However the export of vessels on the NRHV is now subject to legislation governing the export of heritage artefacts, which gives a measure of protection when vessels are put up for sale abroad. National Historic Ships has advised government on these limitations and will:
- Promote the interests of the National Historic Fleet in the forthcoming Heritage Protection Bill, which is due to be laid before Parliament in the autumn 2008.
- Promote the interests of historic ships with local authorities, heritage organisations and regional planning agencies.
- Work with government and other bodies to promote the establishment of an endowment fund to provide vital protection for sustaining the National Historic Fleet.
