What is a salvage operation in wreck diving?

A salvage operation in wreck diving refers to the process of recovering shipwrecked goods or materials from a wreck. This activity typically involves the extraction of valuable items, which can include cargo, artifacts, or parts of the ship itself. Salvage operations are often undertaken for economic reasons, as recovered items can be sold or displayed. It's important to note that such operations may be regulated by laws regarding shipwreck finds and the protection of cultural heritage, underscoring the need for divers to be aware of legal and ethical responsibilities when conducting salvage missions.

The other options describe different aspects of wreck diving or related activities but do not define salvage operations. For instance, techniques to explore wrecks without causing damage focus on preservation rather than recovery, while searching for lost divers is more about safety and rescue than salvage. Documenting marine life involves observation and recording, which is separate from the objective of retrieving materials or artifacts associated with wrecks.