Legislation
Last updated: 22 June 2010
The Protection of Wrecks Act (1973)
provides for the Designation of a wreck on account of the historical, archaeological or artistic importance of the vessel or of the objects associated with it.
The Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995 provides for the protection of all archaeological sites and objects including those on the fore shore and the sea bed.
Under the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, objects found in the sea or on the shore must be reported to the Receiver of Wreck based in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
