can you take

[bobwilsonsaa421]

hi
say for intance you found a large lump metal, like a gun mounting
on a well known wreck, like the j.e.l in cornwall.
are there restrictions or can youremove it?,sensible answers please
cheers,

[Daz217]

Bob,
I assume from your name you belong the SAA take a read of the Policy it answers your question i think.

SAA Policies & Guides

The SAA has a large number of policies and guides to deal with their activities
The SAA is committed to conserving our underwater heritage for future generations of divers to enjoy. The SAA achieves this and the safety of divers by promoting sound and responsible practice through its training programme. The SAA encourages participation by its members in research and adoption of wrecks for research and monitoring purposes.

Introduction

Although wrecks are found throughout the world's seas, it is in UK waters that wreck diving is especially popular. Every wreck has a history, including its sinking, and the curious diver will want to know more. Wrecks are exciting to explore and also make great habitats for fish and other aquatic life.
Most of the wrecks dived around our coast sank during the First and Second World Wars and are now an important part of our history. Not just the history of battles and wars, but also of naval architecture and technology as well. It is fascinating to learn about the development of vessels, which have evolved according to social needs, and the progress of technology.
The seabed holds the remains of many tragedies, for the sinking of a vessel is often accompanied by loss of life. These sunken vessels still claim lives - the lives of divers inadequately prepared for difficult dives. Wreck diving, particularly when wrecks are penetrated, requires a high level of experience and advanced skill training available from clubs within the SAA. Preparation and planning is important and this includes research and local knowledge. Research is always the best way of fully appreciating a wreck, perhaps identifying its name, how it was sunk and understanding the lives of those on board.
There are divers who see a wreck as an area of conquest; they see a remaining porthole as something to take home. Objects removed will deteriorate if they are not properly conserved. These "souvenirs" almost always end up rusting away forgotten in a garage or garden. But more importantly, taking items from wrecks means that there is nothing left of interest for other divers to see. Wrecks are not a renewable resource and the SAA promotes consideration for the majority of divers who want to visit and appreciate intact wrecks. Contemporary standards of behaviour are replacing former unsociable diving activities and only if wrecks are respected will there be anything for future generations of divers to enjoy.
Guidelines and Code of Conduct

Important archaeological evidence will be destroyed by thoughtlessness. If you think that an object or wreck may be of historical importance, then leave it where it lies as it may be fragile. Record its position (depth, GPS, etc) and contact the Receiver of Wreck for advice.
All wreck already belongs to someone. Remember that if you bring anything to the surface, you are required by the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 to report it to the Receiver of Wreck so that its true owner can be found. Sometimes you may be allowed to keep the object or you may be entitled to a reward for restoring it to its owner. Divers who actively remove items from wrecks for commercial gain are diving beyond the limits of the SAA.
Many wrecks of military vessels or aircraft are the last resting-places of those who gave their lives in the Great Wars. War graves should not be entered or interfered with, as is it an offence under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. Imagine the distress that it causes relatives and comrades of those who died. It is like damaging or desecrating a churchyard. Remember that other sunken vessels, such as trawlers or merchant ships, may also be graves from peacetime tragedies and should also be respected.
Other wrecks may have toxic material or munitions on board. As well as injuring yourself, think of the danger you are putting your family, friends and others in if you bring hazardous objects ashore. The acquisition or possession of munitions is a criminal offence under the Firearms Act 1968. For your own safety, it is illegal to dive on some wrecks that contain dangerous material.
It is also illegal to dive on designated historic wrecks that are protected by the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, unless you have been approved by the controlling authority.
Divers now understand the effects on coral reefs of poor diving technique. Wrecks also provide a habitat for marine life which destructive diving or careless anchoring may ruin. Use available fixed shot-lines where possible. If you need to use your own line or anchor, ensure that they are secured off the wreck wherever possible. Use safe diving techniques that will not spoil the site for other divers, whatever their interest.
Clubs and groups of divers are now adopting particular wrecks for research purposes. Some of these divers take part in detailed structural surveys, some undertake historical research and others study the marine life and monitor changes of the ecology of the wreck. The SAA promotes this positive attitude towards wrecks and the environment.

• Get appropriate training before you enter wrecks.
• Research the wreck site before diving on it.
• Leave wrecks intact for other divers to see.
• Know the law - if you must remove an object, you must report it to the Receiver of Wreck. Commercial salvage cannot be undertaken within the SAA.
• Know the law - it is a criminal offence to dive on designated historic wreck sites without a licence or on designated dangerous wreck sites.
• Respect war and other graves beneath the sea.
• Take care on wrecks that contain munitions or toxic materials and leave such materials alone. Acquiring or possessing munitions without authority is illegal.
• Protect the environment.

Look after yourself and look after the environment, so that wrecks may remain, not only as history today, but also as history for tomorrow.

[Adrian Kelland]

Bob,

Many of the well known wrecks have known owners. Many of them are owned by clubs. Maine, Rosehill, Gefion are just 3 SW examples of wreck owned by dive clubs.

Some wrecks are also protected by law for historic or memorial reasons. Some of these require prior permission to dive, some do not.

So you could try finding the owners and asking them. Either way, you still have to report it to the Reciever of Wreck.

Are you in a position to preserve it? Wood and iron don't do too well out of the water.

Adrian

[bobwilsonsaa421]

thanks for your replies.
i regret asking the question now, just thought it would look nice with the other one which has been lifted & is on display.
never mind. cheers
bob