A significant step forward has been made to protect England’s most historic and archaeologically important shipwrecks, together with England’s wider underwater cultural heritage, from the threat of heritage crime.
Historic England, in partnership with the University of Plymouth’s School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences, has launched new guidance to make it easier for law enforcement agencies to detect and act swiftly in response to heritage crime at sea. The guidance applies to any form of criminal activity directed towards any kind of maritime heritage in English waters, whether protected by heritage legislation or not. Its key aim is to make a range of complex legislation easily accessible to frontline agencies in real time. The majority of divers abide by the law, however an unscrupulous minority have caused irreparable damage to historic shipwreck sites, through the removal of material and failure to follow legal requirements.
This reference tool complements existing Historic England partnership initiatives to prevent and investigate heritage crime. These include Heritage Watch and the forensic marking programme of cannon and artefacts on underwater sites such as the 17th century Klein Hollandia, launched in 2023. The Common Enforcement Manual for Heritage Crime at Sea includes comprehensive legal advice and protocols for the observation, investigation and interception of vessels suspected of being involved in criminal activity as well as communication protocols between relevant organisations.
Mark Harrison, Historic England’s Head of Heritage Crime, said: “Responding to heritage crime at sea requires swift action, clear procedures and the secure preservation of evidence. By strengthening awareness and coordination among the law enforcement agencies patrolling England’s waters, we are enhancing our collective ability to identify offenders, secure crime scenes, and protect historic wreck sites. This sends a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated.”
Jason Lowther & Mike Williams, from the University of Plymouth and Beccy Austin from MSDS Marine, co-authors of the Manual, said: “The Common Enforcement Manual is an unprecedented piece of joined-up action. It has buy-in from key agencies including the police, government and fisheries bodies and marks a major milestone in the protection of our rich underwater cultural heritage.”
Paul Jeffery, Chair of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Heritage Crime Special Interest Group, said: “This is a leap forward towards safeguarding historic shipwrecks and other important underwater sites for future generations to enjoy. We are delighted that some of our members have led this important project.”
Sergeant Julian Fry, Heritage Crime Tactical Lead for Devon & Cornwall Police, national lead for ‘Operation Birdie’ the national policing response to coastal, marine and maritime crime, said: “This is truly pioneering work which brings together the knowledge, skills and experience of those involved with enforcement in the maritime heritage crime sector into one place for the first time. The new Common Enforcement Manual will be a game changer, offering clear and easy to use guidance for those involved in operational enforcement.”
Available in several digital formats for use in areas with intermittent internet access, the manual for enforcement agency partners offers a one-stop resource bringing together heritage law, enforcement powers and standard operating procedures.
More information on the development of The Common Enforcement Manual for Heritage Crime at Sea can be found here
