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Shipwreck Legislation in Nordic countries

Sweden


Basically, a sunken ship is protected if it can assumed to have sunken more than 100 years ago. Such a wreck site may (unless some exceptions) be dived on by recreational divers. But nothing may be touched. In case of construction works on a land or underwater archaeological site, investigations must be made on the expense of the contractor.



Finland


Finland has a legislation similar to Sweden, automatically protecting wrecks older than 100 years. Current law is 'Lag om fornminnen 17.6.1963/295'. Violation can lead to 2 years in prison.



Åland


Province island Åland has a general prohibition against all wreck diving, except for a few sites provided by licensed dive centres.
The current law is from 1974. Violation can lead to 2 to 4 years in prison.



Norway


Norway has a legislation similar to Sweden and Finland. Current law is §14 i lov om kulturminner från 1978. Violations can lead to fines but not prison.



Denmark


Denmark has a legislation similar to Sweden, Finland and Norway since 1963. Current (revised) law is 'Museumsloven av 2001, kap 8 & 14'. Violations can lead to fines but not prison.



 



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