GIRT scientific divers are taught to document the condition of their 'adopted' shipwreck site using the GIRT methodology. GIRT members will record a range of observable and measurable data in conjunction with systematic photographic condition reporting of their site. Wrecks are assessed by the GIRT member for threats to their sites preservation allocating a threat assessment level of low, medium, high or severe. All data is entered through the GIRT website (www.girtsd.org) and a report is sent to members who can choose to attach the file to the site's permanent record in the Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database. In this way data is visible to other researchers for study and the activities of members is recognised.
A second research objective within the study is to better understand the motivation of participants in a maritime archaeology conservation focussed project. GIRT members will be sent an email requesting them to complete a 15 minute online questionnaire on their commencement. An identical questionnaire will be sent to members int he future to track any changes in motivation through this period of participation.
