It might be useful if I provide some background to the issue of wrecked military vessels and their protection. If such ships were lost with loss of life, the Ministry of Defence considers them to be military maritime graves and in general believes that they should remain undisturbed and be protected as far as is practicable.

The Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 allows for two levels of designation for maritime military remains. Designation as a Controlled Site is very restrictive and virtually prohibits any activity in the vicinity of the wreck unless a licence is obtained from the Secretary of State. The second and more common type of designation is that of a Protected Place which is not as restrictive and does allow diving but on a ‘look don’t touch basis’.

The MOD has had previous correspondence on HMT XXXXX and a proposal to remove the ZZZZ. I can reassure you that it was made clear to the individual concerned that the MOD would in no way give consent to the removal of the ZZZZ from the wreck. I can confirm that although neither the HMT XXXXX or the HMT YYYYY are specifically designated under the Protection of Military Remains Act (PMRA) 1986, the Department views the wrecks as military maritime graves and as such believes that they should be accorded the dignity and respect they deserve.

For these sites the Department requests that any diving activities on these sites should follow these guidelines:

• No attempt should be made to gain access to the inside of the wreck or touch or disturb or in any way interfere with the wreck.
• There should be no attempt to remove artefacts of any kind from the wreck.
• Whilst there is no objection to still photography or filming of the wreck, this should be limited to photographing /filming the exterior of the wreck.
• Every effort must be made to avoid photographing or filming any human remains.
• Any photographs/film inadvertently taken of human remains should under no circumstances be published/broadcast.