Underwater Archaeology
We are responsible for protecting the best examples of our underwater heritage under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, whilst encouraging greater access to it.
Although the legislation itself pertains to the entire United Kingdom, the Department has the following responsibilities relating to England and Northern Ireland
- The designation of any wreck site considered to be of artistic, archaeological and historic importance.
- Responsibility for issuing licences for those wishing to dive on any protected wreck within these waters.
These are granted on subsequent advice that the Secretary of State receives from both English Heritage 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.
The passing of the National Heritage Act 2002 has meant that English Heritage, the Department's statutory advisors, are responsible for the day to day administration of the 1973 Act in English waters.
Their work entails 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.
The Department also works closely with our colleagues in the Receiver of Wreck, which is part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to prevent illicit trade in protected wreck items.
It is the Receiver's duty to ensure that the rights of the finder and owner are upheld in relation to any recovered wreck material. All finds pertaining 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.
The Government is currently undertaking a review of the Marine Historic Environment. For further details please see the heritage protection review page.
Underwater Archaeology
DCMS
2-4 Cockspur St
London
SW1Y 5DH
Ian Oxley
Head of Maritime Archaeology
English Heritage,
Fort Cumberland,
Fort Cumberland Road,
Eastney,
Portsmouth,
PO4 9LD
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