Year 11 - Unit 2

In Unit 2 of the Year 11 Marine & Maritime Studies syllabus aritime history and archaeology understanding is developed further through the investigation of laws protecting wreck sites, local shipwrecks, and the historical information gathered from shipwrecks.

This includes:

• background and location of Western Australian shipwrecks, including: Zuytdorp and Vergulde Draeck
• historical information found within a shipwreck
• Western Australian law protecting wreck sites
• the factors that influence the selection of artefacts for conservation and display

The resources on the WA Museum website have been written for a variety of audiences and different purposes.

To assist you in accessing this content we adopted the following key to guide you:

BACKGROUND AND LOCATION OF
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN SHIPWRECKS

WA Maritime shipwrecks

Level 1, website
On this page students will find historic information and photos from a selection of significant shipwrecks wrecked off the Western Australian coast, including: Trial (1622), Batavia (1629), Vergulde Draeck (1656), Zuytdorp (1712), Zeewijk (1727), Rapid (1811), James Matthews (1841), SS Xantho (1872) and Sepia (1898).

Shipwreck database

Level 2, website
Students can explore the Maritime Archaeology shipwreck database which contains information and details on Western Australian shipwrecks recorded by the Western Australian Museum. Within the shipwreck database there are records and details for over 1650 Western Australian shipwrecks.

Sail, Steam and Storms

Level 2, PDF book
Students can download and read this 2019 Museum publication that gives an overview of Western Australia’s Maritime Heritage between the Moore River & the Peel Inlet, including the Swan River.

Early Sailing Ships

Level 1, web page
A quick guide for students to identify how the VOC classified their ships. 

Shipwrecks Map

Level 1, map
A map that will help students locate to shipwrecks off the Western Australia coast.

Shipwreck Trails

Level 1, PDF Trails
This page contains a series of Shipwreck Trail pamphlets that students can download in PDF format and then explore wrecks in their local area.

Windswept Coast

Level 2, PDF Book
Students can download and read this 2008 Museum publication that describes the known and unlocated wrecks on the coast of Western Australia between the Moore River and the Zuytdorp Cliffs.

Maritime Journals

Level 3, scans and translations
The vast Western Australian coastline was visited by hundreds of ships pre-colonisation, particularly Dutch trade ships. Many of these ships, such as Emeloort, passed by without incident, documenting what they saw of the coastline as they went. Students can read some of the translated journals here.

ZUYTDORP

Zuytdorp

Level 1, web page
A short background on the Zuytdorp shipwreck.

Zuytdorp 1616 entry

Level 1, web page
Students can read description of Zuytdorp and view an image gallery. This page is part of a website to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Dirk Hartog so it can be read in context of the larger VOC story.

Roaring 40s entry

Level 2, web page
Background information on Zuytdorp as part of the Museums involvement in the 2014-16 "Shipwrecks of the Roaring 40s" research project.

Database entry

Level 2, web page
Students can read the Zuytdorp entry in the WA Museum Maritime Archaeology shipwrecks database.

Zuytdorp - Phillip Playford

Level 2, video lecture
Students can view a public lecture on the Zuytdorp wreck at the Museum of Geraldton presented by Phillip Playford. Phillip identified the wreck in 1958.

Zuytdorp - Mack McCarthy

Level 2, video lecture
In this video students can view Maritime Archaeologist Dr Mack McCarthy discusses Zuytdorp and its loss, as well as the discovery of the wreck and subsequent archaeological research.

Excavation Report

Level 3, research report
Students can read this Museum research report of the excavations of previously disturbed land sites associated with Zuytdorp.

Underwater Report

Level 3, research report
A 1988 internal report on the underwater and other work conducted on the Zuytdorp wreck site.

Zuytdorp: Unfinished business

Level 3, research report
In this research report students are given an insight into the evolution of the methods and underlying philosophies used in approaching the Zuytdorp site(s), the problems encountered in working in such a difficult environment and some of the solutions found in pursuing this combined maritime and terrestrial, historical and pre–historical archaeological project.

VERGULDE DRAECK

Vergulde Draeck

Level 1, web page
A short background on the Vergulde Draeck shipwreck.

Database entry

Level 2, web page
Students can read the Vergulde Draeck entry in the WA Museum Maritime Archaeology shipwrecks database.

Roaring 40s entry

Level 2, web page
Background information on Vergulde Draeck as part of the Museums involvement in the 2014-16 "Shipwrecks of the Roaring 40s" research project.

Loss of the Vergulde Draeck

Level 3, research report
A students can read a 1975 report about the loss of the Vergulde Draeck giving some historical context to the shipwreck.

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HISTORICAL INFORMATION FOUND
WITHIN A SHIPWRECK

Deep Light Learning Resource 

Level 1, PDF resource
Included in the HASS learning resource is an activity where students can use images from the 2015 expedition to the HMAS Sydney (II) and HSK Kormoran wreck sites as source material to investigate the battle further and any further evidence the images provide.

HMAS Sydney (II)

Level 2, online exhibition
Students can explore the story of Australia's worse naval disaster in World War Two, the loss of HMAS Sydney (II), the conspiracies and the 2008 and 2015 expedition that led to new evidence.

2014 Wreck Update

Level 2, video
Students can can watch this video of Dr Mack McCarthy give an update of work undertaken by the Maritime Archaeology Department at the Museum

Exploring the James Matthews

Level 1, video
In this video students can hear how artefacts found on the James Matthews wreck gave maritime archaeologists an immediate connection to the people that were abroad.

Early colonist consumers

Level 1, video
In this video students can hear about artefacts found on the Sepia shipwreck has revealed insights to the needs and wants of the fledgling settlement.

Apothecary Jars

Level 2 video, Level 3 thesis
The Vergulde Draeck and Batavia wreck site produced a large collection of medical supplies used by the ship’s surgeon. Students can watch a video about research done in this area.

Samuel Wright wreck

Level 2, webpage
Students can find out how the 2016 dig at Koombana Bay led to the identification of the shipwreck as the remains of the North American whaling ship Samuel Wright (1831-1840).

Batavia Timbers

Level 2, video
A ship like Batavia would need the equivalent of about 700 trees to be felled. But where did the VOC source the timber? Students can watch this video to find out this answer and the research behind it.

Zuytdorp Lead Ignots

Level 3, research report
This research report students can read how archaeologically studying metal ingots provides information that assists in accurate documentation and mapping of the expanding maritime commerce of the time.

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WESTERN AUSTRALIAN LAW
PROTECTING WRECK SITES

Wreck site legislation

Level 2, web page
This web page provides students with an overview of the legislation that protects Australia's historic shipwrecks, sunken aircraft and their associated relics. Also includes how they would report a find and their legal obligations.

Vergulde Draeck Discovery

Level 1, news article
An interesting news article about the discovery of the Vergulde Draeck and how it was the catalyst for WA to develop ground-breaking legislation to protect historic wreck sites.

Private Collections

Level 2, news article
A short article and links to research on the impact that the Shipwreck amnesty.

ANCODS article

Level 1, news article
A news article about the handover of the dutch share of artefacts from the “Australian and Netherlands Committee on Old Dutch Shipwrecks” (ANCODS) agreement established in 1972.

Unpacking final artefacts

Level 2, video
In this video students will watch the unloading of the final artefacts to consolidate the ANCODS collection. Also includes an explanation of the ANCODS agreement.

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FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE SELECTION OF ARTEFACTS FOR CONSERVATION AND DISPLAY

Shipwreck artefacts database

Level 2, website
The Maritime Archaeology shipwreck artefact database is a searchable index for artefacts that have been recorded by the Maritime Archaeology department. Within the shipwreck artefact database students can explore records and details for over 30,000 artefacts recovered from Western Australian shipwreck sites.

Coogee Maritime Trail

Level 1, news article
The WA Museum worked with the City of Cockburn, Perth NRM and Murdoch University Divers to develop the Coogee Maritime Trail. The Omeo wreck, underwater sculptures, artificial reef structures and Museum artefacts form this interactive experience. Students are encouraged to visit the trail.

de Vlamingh’s plate

Level 2, webpage & videos
Students will read how de Vlamingh’s pewter dish was analysed and how this created a “roadmap to conservation”. It is now on display inside a bullet-proof, argon gas-filled case at the WA Shipwreck’s Museum. There are also videos to watch about the plates conservation.

SS Xantho engine

Level 2, webpage & videos
The conservation and disassembly and reassembly of the engine from paddle steamer SS Xantho which students can view on display at the WA Shipwrecks Museum. Includes 3D modeling videos.

Zuytdorp Anniversary Display

Level 1, news article
This is an example for students to see how the Museum loans objects. In this case it loaned 43 artefacts to the Shire of Northampton to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the wreck of Zuytdorp.