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repeatedly shotting the same spot, and biasing the shot to the seabed side of the wreck where possible.
Support from the MOD. Where a diver has done reasonable research and is still genuinely unsure whether a wreck falls under the Act, they can contact the Royal Navy Heritage team( either because the wreck cannot easily be identified, or it is unclear if it was in military service). The Q & A now sets out a clear service level: the MOD aims to acknowledge enquiries within three working days and provide a substantive response within 15 working days. Coordinates of wrecks designated as Controlled Sites will continue to be published and updated, giving divers a reliable reference point. Divers wishing to visit Controlled Sites must obtain a licence from the MOD in order to dive the wreck.
Taken together, these points reinforce the message at the heart of all of this: a respectful, look-but-don’ t-touch approach to military wrecks is welcomed. Visiting these protected sites responsibly is exactly what helps ensure they are remembered and cared for.
Keep the feedback coming
The Q & A is a living document. It will be updated if the proposed amendments change as the Bill continues through Parliament, and finalised once the Armed Forces Bill receives Royal Assent. That means your input still matters – there are practical scenarios we want to keep testing with the Navy Command, and real-world questions from members are the best way to make sure the guidance works on the water as well as on paper.
If you have thoughts, questions, or diving scenarios you’ d like us to raise, please continue to get in touch at wreckaccess @ bsac. com
BSAC will keep working alongside Navy Command in the spirit that has shaped this from the start: protecting military remains for future generations, while making sure the guidance is workable and safe for the divers who visit and value them. For more on diving wrecks responsibly, see the BSAC Respect our Wrecks Policy at bsac. com / respectourwrecks
You can view the current Q & A at bsac. com / militarywrecks
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