Respect Our Wrecks Policy
In 2000 a joint initiative was launched at the London International Dive Show on the 25-26 March by SAA, PADI and BSAC to help raise awareness of the issues surrounding wreck diving in the UK and to ensure the best possible wreck diving practices are observed by recreational divers. The awareness campaign itself is the culmination of many years' work with other interested parties, including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Ministry of Defence and archaeological groups (including the Nautical Archaeology Society and the Joint Nautical Archaeology Policy Committee), to clarify the issues and find ways to disseminate information. The diving organisations embrace these efforts wholeheartedly and are attempting to bring the issues directly to the attention of divers in the UK.
A minority of divers are still pilfering from and damaging wrecks and a small number are even desecrating war graves. Not only are they spoiling wrecks for future divers, they may be breaking the law and in some cases upsetting the relatives of those that have lost their lives oh the ships. Some divers are destroying our history and the marine environment, either by not thinking what they are doing, or even deliberately. Others are endangering life by bringing live munitions or other dangerous material ashore.
Respect Our Wrecks is intended as a philosophical approach to one of the most popular diving activities in the UK, wreck diving, which is enjoyed by thousands of recreational divers every year. We believe that raised awareness of these issues will also result in increased peer pressure amongst divers to curb the poor wreck diving practices being conducted by the few.
Veronica Robbins, Receiver of Wreck comments "the Maritime and Coastguard Agency wants divers to enjoy safe, legal, responsible diving and fully supports this very important initiative".
Respect our wrecks today so that everyone can still enjoy them tomorrow.
A minority of divers are still pilfering from and damaging wrecks and a small number are even desecrating war graves. Not only are they spoiling wrecks for future divers, they may be breaking the law and in some cases upsetting the relatives of those that have lost their lives oh the ships. Some divers are destroying our history and the marine environment, either by not thinking what they are doing, or even deliberately. Others are endangering life by bringing live munitions or other dangerous material ashore.
Respect Our Wrecks is intended as a philosophical approach to one of the most popular diving activities in the UK, wreck diving, which is enjoyed by thousands of recreational divers every year. We believe that raised awareness of these issues will also result in increased peer pressure amongst divers to curb the poor wreck diving practices being conducted by the few.
Veronica Robbins, Receiver of Wreck comments "the Maritime and Coastguard Agency wants divers to enjoy safe, legal, responsible diving and fully supports this very important initiative".
Respect our wrecks today so that everyone can still enjoy them tomorrow.
- Respect War Graves
Many wrecks are also war graves. Treat them with the respect you would give a churchyard - Respect the Wreck Environment
Many wrecks make great habitats for marine life. Treat them with the care you would give to coral reefs - Respect the Future
Explore wrecks, where allowed, but don't damage or disturb them. Take photos rather than souvenirs, so that our wrecks remain for future divers to see - Respect our History
Many wrecks have an important history and hold clues to our maritime past. If you find anything, report it to the Receiver of Wreck, who will pass on such information to archaeological experts - Respect Yourself
Make sure that you are appropriately trained for safe wreck diving - Respect Your Family and Friends
Some wrecks contain dangerous cargoes or live munitions. Don't disturb them or bring them ashore - Respect the Law
Know and respect maritime laws - and avoid a criminal record
Page last modified: 29th Mar 2007 - 17:10:16