Impact of Regulation on Historic Vessels in Underway Service
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2002
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MA in Historic Preservation
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To view a complete copy of this thesis please contact Goucher College Special Collections & Archives at archives@goucher.edu or (410) 337-6075.
Abstract
This thesis examines the impact of regulations on qualities of integrity retained in operational historic vessels. It begins with a history of maritime preservation tracing how early interest in preserving ships evolved to programs of adaptive reuse. Ships have long been used as a metaphor of the paradox of continuity through change. Historic, philosophical and legal views of this debate led to a comparison of the National Register's seven aspects of integrity as viewed for structures and for vessels. Each of these perspectives agrees that a ship is more than the materials of which it is comprised. Various methods are employed in preserving ships. An evaluation of the impact for each method shows integrity is best preserved in floating static exhibit vessels. Regulations govern seven areas of historic vessel operations: stability, watertight subdivision, structural strength, accommodation, fire safety, lifesaving and crew. Each has an effect on some aspect of integrity. The impact of regulation on integrity is overwhelmingly greater for vessels in adaptive reuse as passenger or educational vessels than for other categories of vessels. A survey of historic vessels in operation and case studies of the Chesapeake Bay skipjacks and schooner Adventure provide evidence of the impact of compliance. The aspects of design, materials, workmanship and feeling are most affected as a direct result of compliance with regulations. Compared to historic structures, few historic vessels survive. To preserve the integrity of this resource, continued debate and a reconsideration of The Secretary of the Interior's Standard for Historic Vessel Preservation Projects is necessary.