2 Prohibition on approaching dangerous wrecks.
1
If the Secretary of State is satisfied with respect to a vessel lying wrecked in United Kingdom waters that—
a
because of anything contained in it, the vessel is in a condition which makes it a potential danger to life or property; and
b
on that account it ought to be protected from unauthorised interference,
he may by order designate an area round the vessel as a prohibited area.
2
An order under this section shall identify the vessel and the place where it is lying and—
a
the prohibited area shall be all within such distance of the vessel as is specified by the order, excluding any area above high water mark of ordinary spring tides; and
b
the distance specified for the purposes of paragraph (a) above shall be whatever the Secretary of State thinks appropriate to ensure that unauthorised persons are kept away from the vessel.
3
Subject to section 3(3) below, a person commits an offence if, without authority in writing granted by the Secretary of State, he enters a prohibited area, whether on the surface or under water.