FAQ
Welcome to the FAQ of Maritime Stepping Stones
MaSS maps the maritime history of the Netherlands through shipwrecks and maritime routes. Because we regularly receive questions concerning how to search on the website, how certain information is generated and how you can contribute, we have collected the most common questions here.
This page helps you to optimally use the platform and to understand how the information is managed behind the scenes.
How is information verified before this is published on MaSS?
All information on MaSS is first verified by the redaction. New sites and proposed adjustments are never automatically published: they only appear online after their content has been reviewed.
How can I communicate an addition or correction?
We try our best to be careful and complete with the information presented in MaSS. Is information missing or have you spotted a possibly incorrect detail? Through the button 'Contribute or report error' at the bottom of every page, you can simply send a notification. Your notification goes straight to the editors of MaSS, who assess it and process it if necessary.
Why is the location of a wreck sometimes not totally accurate?
The shown location can differ from the actual position for various reasons:
1 - Automatically generated locations
When only a general geographic indication is known (like 'The Downs'), the system generates the most suitable map position. In reality, the wreck can be in a slightly different position.
2 - Dependance on sources
Sometimes, the location is based on historical or archival sources. Later research can show that a wreck has moved (somewhat), has been misinterpreted or inaccurately described.
3 - Protection of vulnerable wrecks
With locations that are sensitive to theft, plundering or disturbance, the position can be given globally or slightly off on purpose.
How can I learn more about a specific wreck?
When they are available, we add sources like websites, publications, reports or archive references. You can find these per wreck under the header 'References'.
How can I conduct more elaborate research into wrecks or thematic information?
MaSS offers several search and filter options
→ Timeline at the top of the page – select a period or an historical era.
→ Drop-down menu left – choose between shipping routes, themes or contextual collections, amongst others.
→ Tab ‘Wij en Water’ – This contains several thematic pages in Dutch.
→ Filters (left) – filter on ship type, category, nationality or period, amongst other things.
Example:
Are you looking for Dutch wrecks from the World Wars?
→ Select 'Netherlands' under nationality and then click on World Wars in the timeline.
I don't understand certain technical terms. Where can I find an explanation?
We only use technical terms when this is needed for archaeological accuracy. We are working on a glossary for MaSS that we will place soon. Until then, you can use these reliably sources:
Zeilvaartlexicon (RCE)
VOC Glossary (Huygens Instituut)
VOCsite word list (in Dutch)
Witsen Shipbuilding – Explanation on early modern ship building
I see language that I consider to be non-inclusive or inappropriate. How do you handle this?
MaSS and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) use a guideline for careful and inclusive language since 2025, especially concerning colonial terminology. Yet older texts can still contain words that we would consider inappropriate today.
We are working on adjusting these texts step by step. Should you encounter language that is unclear or inappropriate, please report this by using the button 'Contribute or report error' at the bottom of the page. Where historical quotes are given, we strive to provide these with context.