Does the "Sunken Military Craft Act" Prohibit WWII Wreck Penetration in US Waters?

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Double post
 
No, just don't eat the fruit.
 
Seriously though, I frequently dive wrecks that were sunk during WWII and I have never heard of such a restriction. I compare visiting such wrecks to walking through a graveyard. So long as you act respectfully no one should really have a problem. I'm not about to go stealing headstones or digging up graves if you know what I mean. Penetration into said wrecks makes little difference in my mind. Safe diving!
 
Pretty much what I thought. Funny thing it was a well known east coast charter operater who mentioned the law. Maybe too much time under pressure....:dontknow:
 
LOL!
The list of places that charter captain has been and will never admit publicly, would give anyoone pause for reflection. Did he mention that law with a dose of sarcasm?
Eric
 
I was just told that it prevented penetration of US, German and Italian WWII military vessels in US waters. I did a bit of research and found wording that makes it illegal to "disturb" such a wreck. I'm not sure that swimming through would constitute "disturbing".

I did find a US Coast Guard "Policy" statement here- USCG: Frequently Asked Questions but I'm not sure if "policy" has the weight of law.

Wouldn't a swim through be the same as walking through the U-505 in Chicago? :confused:


The USCG response says clearly, you can not penetrate a wreck but then goes on to quote the Law of the Sea, a document that the United States has refused to ratify for thirty years. I revel in the overwhelming irony.
 

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