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year time limit, which currently means wrecks older than this have no protection.
The current version of the PMRA also designates a small number of wrecks as Controlled Sites, which mean they are off limits to divers unless they have applied for a licence from the MOD. The proposed changes do not affect this part of the PMRA.
Since the proposed changes came to light, concerns have been raised regarding the details, or lack thereof, and what this means for divers. BSAC have been in communication with the Royal Navy, who will publish further details in due course. In the meantime, however, they would like to reassure the diving community that these proposed changes are not intended to prevent divers from visiting wreck sites, and there is no intention to ban diving on wrecks that will come under these changes. Indeed, divers visiting military wreck sites in a respectful manner is welcomed, as it ensures they are not forgotten. The changes are being proposed to ensure that the wrecks are better protected from salvage and can therefore be preserved for future generations. It will also hopefully mean that the locations of newly discovered military wrecks can be published much sooner, as protection for those wrecks will be automatically in place.
MAKE SURE YOUR CLUB IS SEEN WHILE out and about this diving and training season with a personalised promotional UPVC banner.
Perfect for promoting your club to potential new members at a pool, leisure centre, dive site or recruitment event, BSAC’ s customisable banners will get you noticed. And they are tough enough to even be used underwater!
New for 2026 – BSAC has introduced a drop-ship ordering process. And,
" We will continue to liaise with the Royal Navy "
Whilst the proposals will vastly increase the number of vessels that receive protection via the PMRA, the practice of diving on a wreck that is a Protected Place is already well established. For example, two well-known and regularly dived UK wreck sites are already designated as Protected Places; HMS M2 in Lyme Bay and HMS E49 in Shetland. This designation has not prevented divers visiting these sites, nor has the use of shot lines been an issue.
BSAC understand there are concerns regarding the definition of‘ military service’,‘ enclosed interior’ and the practicalities for divers around the legislation itself. We will continue to liaise with the Royal Navy, with the intention of producing a set of Q & A which will hopefully alleviate these concerns. In the meantime, the Royal Navy would like to assure divers that these changes are not intending to put wrecks off limits or to criminalise respectful divers but are simply aimed at giving our underwater heritage better protection. For more guidance on respectful wreck diving, please see the BSAC Respect our Wrecks Policy – bsac. com / respectourwrecks
If members have thoughts on this issue they wish to share, please contact BSAC HQ by emailing wreckaccess @ bsac. com
Order your club banner now
as well as being able to customise the banner to include your club’ s name and contact details, you can also choose one of four designs.
Each 640mm x 1500mm banner costs £ 45, including postage, and is printed on hardwearing UPVC, which also features corner eyelets for secure fixing.
After placing an order, you will be contacted for your club’ s customisation details.
For more information and to order, go to bsac. com / clubbanner
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