Maritime heritage permits

Apply for a permit for underwater cultural heritage zones including shipwreck protection zones.

Underwater cultural heritage, maritime sites (including historic shipwrecks) and associated relics are protected by the:

Heritage Act 1977
Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018

The Australian Government works collaboratively with the State and Territory government agencies to protect and conserve Australia’s underwater cultural heritage.

We work under delegation to the Commonwealth to monitor and manage maritime heritage sites in NSW to ensure seamless administration of underwater cultural heritage.

We issue permits for Commonwealth sites on their behalf.

Enter shipwreck protected zone expand

A permit is not required to access most shipwrecks and underwater sites in NSW waters. Divers are free to visit these shipwreck sites and to learn from them.

There is currently one shipwreck site in NSW that has a protected zone around it. The M24 Japanese midget submarine off Sydney is currently open for research and archaeological diving only. You need a permit to visit this site.

Apply for a permit to enter the M24 Submarine shipwreck protected zone.

Permits to enter shipwreck protected zones are granted under the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018.

Historic shipwreck permits expand

Occasionally, good heritage practice means that archaeological excavation of a historic shipwreck may be desirable or necessary. Where appropriate in specific circumstances, the Heritage Council of NSW can authorise the movement of part or all of the shipwreck by issuing a historic shipwreck permit.

Notify discovery of a shipwreck or relic expand

If you discover or know of the discovery of a historic shipwreck site or relic in NSW, you must notify us as soon as practically possible after the discovery is made.

To notify us complete and submit the Maritime archaeology reporting form (PDF 600KB).

We will review the information provided and guide you with the next steps.

The notification of a historic shipwreck or relic is required under section 7 of the Commonwealth Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018.

Possess, export and import underwater cultural heritage expand

Most artefacts from shipwrecks, including all old Dutch shipwreck artefacts, are legally owned by the Commonwealth of Australia under the Commonwealth Navigation Act 2012 and the 1972 Agreement between the Netherlands and Australia concerning old Dutch Shipwrecks, regardless of who may currently have the item in their possession. Under international convention, ownership of sunken military aircraft and vessels resides with the Department of Defence or the military authorities of the relevant foreign country.

Refer to the Australian Government website for more information and how to apply for these permits:

application for possession or export of underwater cultural heritage
permit application to import underwater cultural heritage into Australia
notification of the possession or transfer of underwater cultural heritage.

Page last updated 8 December 2022

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