(1)If the Secretary of State is satisfied with respect to a vessel lying wrecked in United Kingdom waters that—
(a)because of anything contained in it, the vessel is in a condition which makes it a potential danger to life or property; and
(b)on that account it ought to be protected from unauthorised interference,
he may by order designate an area round the vessel as a prohibited area.
(2)An order under this section shall identify the vessel and the place where it is lying and—
(a)the prohibited area shall be all within such distance of the vessel as is specified by the order, excluding any area above high water mark of ordinary spring tides; and
(b)the distance specified for the purposes of paragraph (a) above shall be whatever the Secretary of State thinks appropriate to ensure that unauthorised persons are kept away from the vessel.
(3)Subject to section 3(3) below, a person commits an offence if, without authority in writing granted by the Secretary of State, he enters a prohibited area, whether on the surface or under water.