1. The 1986 Protection of Military Remains Act was passed to ensure that ships sunk and aircraft lost in military service in UK waters since 1914 are not interfered with, enemy vessels and aircraft included.

2. Aircraft are automatically covered. It is legal to dive them, but an offence to enter them, disturb them or remove anything without permission.

3. Vessels need to be designated to be covered by the Act. If the location is not known, they can be designated "protected places," meaning entering or removing anything from a vessel believed to be that named is an offence.

If the precise location is known, a vessel can be designated as a "controlled site," meaning diving it without permission is illegal as well. Not one war grave has ever been so named or designated.

4. If any artefact has been recovered from the sea, failure to report it to the Receiver of Wreck risks a large fine and criminal record under the 1995 Merchant Shipping Act. Incredibly, it is perfectly legal to remove anything from an RN wreck so long as it is declared.

5. If a wreck is in international waters, the wreck is only protected from interference by UK nationals, companies or dive vessels.

The PoMRA Act is currently out of print, but a photocopy can be obtained by telephoning 020 7847 8447. A copy can usually be found in the larger libraries.

We hope abuse of the final resting places of those who died for our freedom offends you as much as it offends us. It offends the MoD police too, and if you have any information, they would be most pleased to hear from you on 01351 854000.