Department for Culture Media and Sport

underwater archaeology

Under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 we are responsible for protecting significant wreck sites, and encouraging greater access to them.

The day to day administration of the 1973 Act in English waters is the responsibility of English Heritage (EH), although we have the following responsibilities relating to England and Northern Ireland:

  • The designation, re-designation and de-designation of any wreck site considered to be of artistic, archaeological and historic importance
  • The issuing of licences for those wishing to dive on any protected wreck within these waters.

Licences are granted on advice that the Secretary of State receives from both EH and the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites.

The Committee's members are drawn from a wide range of expertise including sports divers, archaeologists and academics. EH works with licensed divers to promote improved research.

We also work closely with The Receiver of Wreck, part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, to prevent illicit trade in protected wreck items.
 
The recovery of all finds related to wrecks, even those that do not have legal protection, must be reported to the Receiver. The Receiver will then decide on their correct disposal and the finder may be entitled to a salvage award.

Full details of our colleagues’ work in Cadw, Historic Scotland and Department of the Environment, Northern Ireland  (DoENI) regarding their maritime heritage can be found on their websites.