Field conservation
Conservation starts on the seabed. Once uncovered, the objects are secured by the archaeologists (sometimes wrapped in hessian cloth) in sturdy containers.
Then they are packed in crates and raised by winch to the expedition vessel. On deck, the registrar and registration assistants subsequently do their work, before handing over the documented objects to the on-site conservator(s) for further handling and packing. After this, the objects can safely make the journey from the expedition vessel to the museum's conservation laboratory.
The Pandora's artefacts have been immersed in salt water for over 200 years. They differ greatly in their material composition-ranging from wood, leather and hemp, to brass, iron and glass. Many are so-called "composites"-made of more than one material; this makes conservation more difficult. They have been impregnated with salt and are often degraded. Hence, they are very delicate and will deteriorate at a rate several thousand times faster when brought to the surface and exposed to air.
Conservation processes-including cleaning and salt removal-can take many years. There are no shortcuts; especially large ferrous objects like cannon and anchors take a very long time (sometimes years). All stages are carefully documented and monitored; only then can the artefacts be studied and put on public display. Sometimes so-called "de-concreting" can be started in the field.