This document provides guidelines for the characterization of waterlogged archaeological wood to support decision-making processes for its preservation. This document can be applied for the management of wood discovered on waterlogged sites (e.g. terrestrial, aquatic (marine and freshwater)), as a basis for designing controlled reburial, in-situ preservation, post-excavation storage and conservation strategies. In the case of composite artefacts made of wood and other materials, this document is applicable only for the wooden components. Methods for conservation, site protection and monitoring for reburial as well as in-situ preservation are beyond the scope of this document.