The Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 (Designation of Vessels and Controlled Sites) Order 2008

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order designates:

• vessels to which the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 (“the Act”) applies; and

• areas containing the remains of a number of vessels as ‘controlled sites’ under the Act.

Article 2 lists the vessels designated as vessels to which the Act applies. The list includes the following vessels, which are designated for the first time under the Act: Atlantic Conveyor, HMS Amphion, HMS Curacao, HMS Delight, HMS Ghurka, HMS L24, HMS Loyalty, HMS Penylan, SS Storaa and U-714.

Article 3 lists the areas designated as controlled sites under the Act.

Article 4 revokes the previous Order. This Order replaces and consolidates all previous Orders.

A place is a ‘protected place’ under the Act if it comprises the remains of a vessel designated under article 2 and is on the sea bed or in the immediate vicinity of where the remains were left. Section 2 of the Act provides for offences in relation to remains of vessels within ‘protected places’ and ‘controlled sites’; and prohibits excavations and operations carried out on ‘protected places’ and ‘controlled sites’. Section 4 of the Act makes provision for the granting of licences to carry out prohibited works and operations.