Underwater cultural heritage survey is an important part of the 3rd National Cultural Relics Census. On July 3, faculty members of Department of Ocean Science and Engineering Ruan Xiao and Chen Jiawang joined the national underwater archaeological team and went to Zhousan Shengsi sea area to carry out underwater heritage exploration.
In Shengsi sea area lie important marine traffic arteries, hence rich underwater heritage. With the help of local officials and citizens, the team made a comprehensive and detailed investigation to understand the underwater heritage trail. The exploration made use of advanced underwater archaeological equipments. With sonar topography measurement, bottom profiling, diving and other technical means, the team checked on pre-identified underwater cultural relics clues to determine the position, the nature, age, burial environment, conservation status of the relics. A merchant ship of Qing Dynasty was salvaged with 20 antiques secured, including 6 porcelain bowls. In addition, the team found shipwrecks suspected to be of Pacific Wheel in Liberation War.