 Military aircraft are automatically protected but vessels have to be specifically designated.The primary reason for designation is to protect as a 'war grave' the last resting place of UK servicemen (or other nationals); however, the Act does not require the loss of the vessel to have occurred during war.There have been six statutory instruments designating wrecks under the Act, in 2002 (amended 2003), 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2017.