Further protection for the hundreds of shipwrecks in Bermuda’s waters will soon be in the hands of more than 20 marine inspectors.

The Historic Wrecks Act 2001, classifies the sunken ships into two categories — open and restricted — as well as stipulating that inspectors be appointed to ensure the sites’ protection.

On Wednesday, Dame Jennifer Smith, who is the chairwoman of the Historic Wrecks Authority, introduced the first 23 officials who would ensure the guidelines for the open and restricted sites are followed.

“The Act also stipulates that inspectors be appointed to safeguard the wrecks and I am happy today to announce the appointment of the first 23 inspectors,” she said at a press conference.

“They are already active stakeholders in safeguarding our maritime heritage and are nearly all engaged in maritime activities, be they dive boat operators, fisheries wardens and coral reef scientists and the Marine Police.”

Five of the new inspectors are Fisheries Wardens, four are from Conservation Services and 14 are from the Marine Police division of the Police force.

Shipwreck inspectors will ensure that those given permission from the Historic Wrecks Authority to dive on the restricted sites do so without disturbing the site. They will also check to make sure anyone they see diving on a restricted wreck has the proper documentation. Maximum fine for diving without permission is $25,000 or the guilty party can expect one year in prison.

Divers hoping to go on the restricted sites will have to apply for a licence from the Historic Wrecks Authority, while the open sites will be available for all recreational divers. Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield, however, stressed that the classification of shipwrecks would enable the Ministry to open further sites in the future.

“It is our intention that the Historic Wrecks Act 2001 will protect this precious resource by imposing strict guidelines for the treatment and exploration of shipwrecks, but that it also encourages the development of new generations of researchers and ensures access to these unique and momentous pieces of our history,” she said.

Receiving the certificates for the Fisheries Wardens was the head of Fisheries John Edmunds, Dr. Philippe Rouja for Conservation Services and Inspector Venning, the head of the Marine Police.