MCA Role of the Receiver of Wreck

The Role of The Receiver
of Wreck
Alison Kentuck,
Receiver of Wreck
Background
In the UK, wreck and salvage law dates back at least to
the 12th century
Protects the rights of wreck owner, legitimate salvors
and Crown
Prior to 1993, there were approx 80 Receivers around
the coast of the UK
The Receiver of Wreck is now a single post & is part of
the Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Coastguard officers are the Receiver’s local
representatives
Duty of the Receiver
Duty of the Finder
To administer the Merchant Shipping Act
in relation to wreck and salvage:
Reunite owner and property
To ensure fair salvage awards
To dispose of wreck on behalf of the Crown
A Reserved function & RoW covers the
whole of the UK
Any Person finding or taking possession
of ‘wreck’ shall report it to the Receiver -
s.236
This is not elective
Reporting wreck is a simple process
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Remit & Powers
How the System Works
All wreck from on the sea, under the sea or washed
ashore from tidal waters, even beyond territorial waters
Regardless of age, size or apparent importance or value
– Unlike the Treasure Act.
Includes vessels, aircraft, hovercraft and all parts of
fabric of the ship as well as cargo etc.
Detain vessels, cargo & equipment, sell detained
property, commandeer vehicles, right of way across
private land, powers of entry & search of vessel or
premises, seize or detain property.
All finders of wreck must complete a Report form &
submit it to the Receiver
Wreck is held by the finder on indemnity to the
Receiver of Wreck
Research into identification, ownership & history of
vessel
Receiver will seek advice on historic wreck, or
dangerous material
Historic Wreck
Historic Wreck
Many items reported come from ‘historic
wrecks’ – approx 35%
MCA policy to keep collections together and
to offer them to an appropriate museum
The Receiver works very closely with heritage
organisations
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Common Wreck Finds
Unusual Finds
Resurgam
Unprotected Wrecks
• First mechanically powered
submarine
• built 1879
• lost 1880
• Rediscovered 1995
• Designated 1996
Royal Charter, 1859
Ann Francis,
Margam Beach, 1583
St George copper
ingots, 1882 & City
of Dresden 1907.
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Modern Wreck - Sea Empress
Modern Wreck – NAPOLI
Milford
Haven, 1996
76,000 tons
light crude oil
The Castor Marbles
2nd century AD
Marbles
Case Study
Marie Stuart
Bt 1864
Disappeared 1883
George Gibson & Co
still exist
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Contact Details
The Receiver of Wreck
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
row@mcga.gov.uk
www.mcga.gov.uk
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