ABSTRACT
This chapter considers wreck removal law in the United Kingdom (UK) as it developed for nearly 150 years before the UK decided to consider the adoption of the Wreck Removal Convention (WRC) 2007. It addresses the accession choices open to States that want to accede to the Convention and enact it in their national laws. The UK had been an early international supporter of the WRC 2007, but before implementing it the Department for Transport issued a consultation document in May 2008,107 and a response in October 2008. The Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) 1995 Part 9A provides the public law structure to support implementation in the UK. The MSA 1995 Part 9A has largely left untouched the existing powers in relation to wreck removal given to harbour and conservancy authorities under the Harbours Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847 s 56, other local harbour legislation and the MSA 1995 s 252.
