Shipwrecks of archaeological, historical or artistic interest in Cameroon, whose owner is unknown or unlikely to be found, are subject to the provisions of articles 247 to 252 of the CEMAC Shipping code.
The wrecks mentioned in article 246 of the code belong to the State. The provisions of article 225 of same code equally apply to them.
When the wreck is an isolated object, the competent maritime authority, in agreement with the competent authority for culture and the arts, may hand over ownership to the salvor.
If the interest of the object so justifies, it shall be deposited, at the request of the competent in a public collection. In this case, compensation is paid to the rescuer. This compensation is set amicably or, failing this, by experts, in accordance with the procedure and under the conditions laid down by decision of the competent maritime authority.
When the wreck, due to its size, constitutes an archaeological deposit such as whole ships and their cargoes, the wreck is recovered either by the State or by a concessionaire.
In the latter case, the competent maritime authority, in agreement with the competent authority for culture and the arts, signs a concession contract either with the inventor of the wreck as a priority, if he has the capacity and guarantees required for recovery, or, failing that, with any other company.
If the inventor does not obtain the concession or if the State proceeds directly to the recovery of the wreck, the inventor who has made the declaration provided for in article 225 of the code is entitled to an indemnity fixed by amicable agreement in accordance with the procedure set out in article 248 of same code.
In particular, the concession contract specifies the technical requirements for recovery work.
The work is carried out under the supervision of a representative of the competent authority for culture and the arts.
The concessionaire is entitled to the remuneration stipulated in his contract, which may be determined according to the value of the wreck.
If the interest in the recovered objects does not preclude it, the concessionaire’s share may, at his request in kind.
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