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Underwater Archaeology
The United Kingdom has a strong historical maritime legacy. As a result our territorial waters house a great wealth of shipwrecks and artefacts. It is therefore the Department's policy to protect the best examples of our underwater heritage while encouraging greater access to it.
The passing of the National Heritage Act 2002 means that English Heritage, the Department's statutory advisors, are responsible for the day to day administration of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. Their duties include working with divers to promote improved research, and to help licencees make the most of their sites. This ensures that our maritime heritage will be properly recorded for future generations.
However, the Government still retains the responsibility for implementing the 1973 Act. This means that they have responsibility for designating any wreck sites of artistic, archaeological and historic importance in English and Northern Irish waters. In addition, the Secretary for State is also responsible for issuing licences for those wishing to dive on any protected wreck. These are granted on subsequent advice that the Secretary of State receives from both English Heritage and the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites (ACHWS). The Committee's members are drawn from a wide range of expertise including sports divers, archaeologists and academics.
Currently, the Department in conjunction with its counterparts in the devolved administrations is conducting a review of the entire United Kingdom's marine historic environment. This is embodied in the consultation document – 'Protecting our Marine Historic Environment: Making the System work Better' PDF (892kb) . This review aims to provide a positive approach to managing the marine historic environment and a workable legislative framework that ensures its protection.
Please contact us if you require any further information.
For general queries about the Government's work in this area, please contact:
Underwater Archaeology
DCMS
2-4 Cockspur St
London
SW1Y 5DH
For any other enquiries please contact:
Ian Oxley
Head of Maritime Archaeology
English Heritage,
Fort Cumberland,
Fort Cumberland Road,
Eastney,
Portsmouth,
PO4 9LD
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