Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:C2024C00456:section:15
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:C2024C00456
Segment Type: section
Provision Reference: s 15
Character Range: 26204–27385

15  Meaning of underwater cultural heritage
 (1) Underwater cultural heritage means any trace of human existence that:
 (a) has a cultural, historical or archaeological character; and
 (b) is located under water.
 (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a trace of human existence includes:
 (a)  sites, structures, buildings, artefacts and human and animal remains, together with their archaeological and natural context; and
 (b) vessels, aircraft and other vehicles or any part thereof, together with their archaeological and natural context; and
 (c) articles associated with vessels, aircraft or other vehicles, together with their archaeological and natural context.
 (3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), a trace of human existence is located under water:
 (a) whether partially or totally under water; and
 (b) whether under water periodically or continuously.
 (4) However, the following are not underwater cultural heritage:
 (a) pipelines or cables on the seabed;
 (b) installations (other than pipelines or cables) that are:
 (i) placed on the seabed; and
 (ii) still in use.

Part 2—Protected underwater cultural heritage

Division 1—Underwater cultural heritage