Section 2

  Identification and labelling

 Each item recovered will need to be given an "identification reference" with a sequential number (i.e. 01, 02, 03, etc.) to link it to the point of recovery and by whom.

 For example, an abbreviation of the vessel's name, the point of discovery, e.g. Deck 3 mid-ships stairwell in Zone 2, the initials (not full name) of the finder and the sequential number of the item recovered.

 Each item, when packaged, will need to be given a label with the same unique reference to link it to the point of discovery. An example of this could be if the ship was named Sea Spirit and the person recovering was Ronaldo Fernandez, giving an identification reference of:

  SS/Date and Time/Crew Mess Room /RF/1, …/RF/2, …/RF/3 etc.

 Where an item of obvious significance is found, both the person recovering it and the person able to identify it in relation to any alleged perpetrator should include this on their pro-forma statement (see appendix 1). Should more than one person be involved in recovering items, then the identification reference would include that person's initials, also starting from 01.

 All items recovered will need to be safely stored in a clean and dry environment until such time as they are landed ashore.

 If a paper sack or cardboard box is used to package the item, the identification reference should be written in ink (not in pencil) on the outside of the package. In the case of plastic bags, glass jars or smaller containers, a reference label will need to be attached. Adhesive tape – not staples – should be used to attach the label.

 Example: