Education Guidance Understanding the law This page is to act as guidance for the laws that apply in the UK and around the world It is also worth referring to the NAS Statement of Principles, which outlines the policy of the Rules of the Annex to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage 2001 – particularly useful when determining applications for licences, consents etc. ------------- UNESCO Convention on The Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage 2001Visit the UNESCO website Although the United Kingdom has not ratified the Convention, it has adopted Rules of the Annex to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage 2001. UNESCO has also adopted a “Code of Ethics for Diving on Submerged Archaeological Sites” ------------- Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 - Marine licensing Marine Licensing Exempted Activities 2016 - related to diver trails on Protected Wrecks ------------- Marine Conservation ZonesHistoric Environment Projects and Activities within Marine Conservation Zones - Historic England report 2017 More information on MCZs from Defra ------------- Marine Antiquities Scheme Marine Antiquities Scheme: Munitions Guidance ------------- Further information on UK Statutory Legislation: Merchant Shipping Act 1995 Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 England Wales Scotland Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 Updated list of Protected Military Remains 2012 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 England Wales Scotland JNAPC Code of Seabed Development Manage Cookie Preferences