AN agreement to protect the wreck of the Titanic as a memorial to the people who died when the ship sank, has been signed by the UK government.

Shipping minister David Jamieson signed the agreement that recognises the wreck of the Titanic as of international historic importance and as a memorial to passengers and crew who perished.

Mr Jamieson said: "This government has been a driving force behind the agreement.

"The UK has co-operated closely with the US, Canada and France to develop this Agreement and we anticipate these States will soon follow our lead and allow the agreement to come into force."

The sinking in 1912 of the Titanic was the catalyst for the development of important elements of the international framework for maritime safety.

It was agreed that to allow intrusive dives on the wreck to take place without any control would not be consistent with its status as a grave, and could impair the integrity of the historical record.

The agreement will subject dives, within the jurisdiction of the signature states, to an authorisation system enabling participating governments to decide whether or not a dive may take place.