Published on 6 January 2025

Underwater cultural heritage

Switzerland ratified the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage on 25 January 2020. The aim of the convention is the protection and long-term preservation of the world's underwater cultural heritage. The world's seas and inland waters harbour numerous testimonies to the human past that are of great cultural value – ranging from submerged landscapes, settlements and shrines to ancient docks and shipwrecks.

A shipwreck on the seabed. The vessel is barely recognisable.

The UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage details provisions to protect the world's underwater cultural heritage. These rules are binding under international law and include a reporting requirement for underwater cultural heritage discoveries and activities. The convention also aims to combat looting, illegal trade and destruction.

This means that yachts, coastal boats or seagoing commercial vessels flying the Swiss flag may not destroy or cause serious damage to the underwater cultural heritage where they are sailing. The destruction of or serious damage to underwater cultural heritage is punishable by imprisonment of up to one year or a fine. The convention also includes a reporting requirement. For a summary of the main information, see:

Documents

Contact

FDFA Swiss Maritime Navigation Office SMNO
Elisabethenstrasse 33
P.O.Box
Switzerland - 4010 Basel