Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 facts for kids
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| Long title | An Act to secure the protection of wrecks in territorial waters and the sites of such wrecks, from interference by unauthorised persons; and for connected purposes. |
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| Citation | 1973 c. 33 |
| Introduced by | Iain Sproat |
| Territorial extent | United Kingdom |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 10 July 1973 |
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Status: Current legislation
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| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
The Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 is a special law in the United Kingdom. It was created by the Parliament of the United Kingdom to help protect important shipwrecks. This law makes sure that valuable underwater sites are kept safe from people who might disturb them without permission.
This Act allows certain shipwrecks to be officially "designated" or marked as protected. This happens if they are important for history, archaeology (studying old things), or art. The law also helps protect dangerous wreck sites, like those that might still contain explosives.
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Why We Protect Shipwrecks
Shipwrecks are like underwater time capsules! They can tell us a lot about the past, including how people lived, traveled, and what kind of ships they used. The Protection of Wrecks Act helps keep these amazing historical sites safe.
Protecting Historic Shipwrecks
If a shipwreck is important for its history, archaeology, or artistic value, it can be protected under Section 1 of this Act. This means it's against the law to disturb or interfere with it without a special permit.
- You are usually allowed to swim, fish, or sail near these sites.
- However, you must not do anything that would harm the wreck.
- If you want to dive at a protected wreck site, you need a special permit.
- Even more permits are needed if you want to dig or take any items from the wreck.
Organizations like Historic England, Cadw (in Wales), and Historic Scotland manage these permits. They make sure that anyone exploring these sites does so carefully and respectfully.
The very first wreck protected under this law was the Cattewater Wreck in Plymouth in 1973. By 2007, there were 60 protected wreck sites.
Finding Protected Wreck Sites
It's important for sailors and divers to know where protected wrecks are.
- All protected wrecks are marked on special maps called admiralty charts.
- They are also listed in official notices for sailors.
- Sometimes, a yellow buoy (a floating marker) is placed above the wreck. This buoy often says "Protected Wreck."
- For wrecks close to shore, you might find signs on land that explain why the wreck is important.
Even with these warnings, some people still try to disturb protected wrecks. For example, items were reported missing from the HMS Coronation wreck in 2011.
Protecting Dangerous Wrecks
Some shipwrecks are dangerous, often because they still contain explosives. These wrecks are protected under Section 2 of the Act.
- As of 2008, only two wrecks were designated as dangerous: the SS Richard Montgomery and the SS Castilian.
- Both of these ships hold large amounts of explosives.
- If a wreck is dangerous, a special exclusion zone is set up around it.
- No one is allowed to dive or do any activities near these dangerous wrecks.
- The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is in charge of managing these dangerous sites.
Other Ways Wrecks Are Protected
Besides the Protection of Wrecks Act, other laws also help keep underwater sites safe.
- The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 protects some wrecks as "scheduled ancient monuments."
- This includes the remains of the German High Seas Fleet in Scapa Flow. These ships were sunk on purpose after World War I.
- The Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 protects military shipwrecks and aircraft as war graves.
- This means they are treated with respect, similar to a cemetery, because people died on them.
- The UK Ministry of Defence manages these sites.
Where to Find Lists of Protected Wrecks
There are many shipwrecks around the UK, but only a small number are officially protected.
- In 2011, there were 61 historic protected wreck sites in the UK.
- You can find a searchable list of protected wrecks in England online through the National Heritage List for England.
- Historic Scotland and Cadw also have lists of protected sites in their areas.
Protected Wrecks in the Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory, have their own similar law to protect wrecks.
- This law was passed in 1977.
- It protects wrecks that are historically important or dangerous.
- Three ships sunk during the Falklands War are protected there: HMS Ardent, HMS Antelope, and HMS Coventry. These ships are protected as restricted areas because they are war graves.
