Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023

Carrying out by relevant persons of activities directed at underwater cultural heritage beyond the limits of territorial seas

138. (1) In this section, “relevant area” means any area of sea or sea bed which is outside the contiguous zone and is not within the territorial seas, archipelagic waters or internal waters of another state.

(2) A relevant person shall not authorise or carry out, or knowingly permit to be authorised or carried out, in a relevant area activities directed at underwater cultural heritage other than under and in accordance with—

(a) a licence, or

(b) an authorisation granted pursuant to Article 10 or 12 of the UNESCO Convention by the Minister or the appropriate person in a state party.