[1] The Act automatically affects all shipwrecks that meet the "historic" criteria (generally defined as vessels more than 75 years old, although newer ships with historic value may be placed under the Act) and are in Australian Commonwealth waters (between the low-tide mark and the edge of the continental shelf): complementary state and territory legislation protects shipwrecks in state and territory waters including rivers and bays.
[1] Of the estimated 8,000 shipwrecks in Australian waters, more than 6,500 are protected under this legislation.
[1] Any items removed from a protected wreck (including those removed before the Act came into effect) must be listed on a database maintained by the Federal department responsible for maintaining and preserving Australia's cultural heritage (the Department of the Environment and Energy).
[2] Anyone disturbing a protected shipwreck can be fined up to A$10,000, or imprisoned for a maximum of five years.
[1][2] The following historic shipwrecks lie within protected or no-entry zones declared under the Act:[6] The following legislation complements the Act within waters under the direct control of the States and the Northern Territory:[8]