Commonwealth Consolidated Acts Commonwealth Consolidated Acts(1) The following articles are protected underwater cultural heritage:
(a) all remains of vessels that have been in Australian waters for at least 75 years;
(b) every article that is associated with a vessel, or the remains of a vessel, and that has been in Australian waters for at least 75 years;
(c) all remains of aircraft that have been in Commonwealth waters for at least 75 years;
(d) every article that is associated with an aircraft, or the remains of an aircraft, and that has been in Commonwealth waters for at least 75 years.
(2) An article is covered by subsection (1) whether or not the existence or location of the article is known.
(3) An article is covered by subsection (1) even if the article is, or has been, removed from Australian waters or Commonwealth waters (as the case may be).
(4) The Underwater Cultural Heritage Rules may provide that subsection (1) or (3) does not cover a specified article.