diff --git a/mods/CORE/mcl_util/init.lua b/mods/CORE/mcl_util/init.lua
index c8f38f659..acda9e7a3 100644
--- a/mods/CORE/mcl_util/init.lua
+++ b/mods/CORE/mcl_util/init.lua
@@ -780,43 +780,3 @@ function mcl_util.check_position_protection(position, player, create_log)
 
 	return false
 end
-
---[[Check protection violation for a planting action.
---
--- @param pointed_thing     The pointed_thing table for the object the action was pointed at.
--- @param player            See mcl_util.check_positions_protection.
--- @param create_log        See mcl_util.check_positions_protection.
---
--- @return	See mcl_util.check_positions_protection.
-]]
-function mcl_util.check_planting_protection(pointed_thing, player, create_log)
-	-- We dont want to allow planting on top of protected positions, even if the air is unprotected.
-	return mcl_util.check_positions_protection({pointed_thing.above, pointed_thing.under}, player,
-		create_log)
-end
-
---[[Check protection violation for a node placement action.
---
--- @param pointed_thing     The pointed_thing table for the object the action was pointed at.
--- @param player            See mcl_util.check_positions_protection.
--- @param create_log        See mcl_util.check_positions_protection.
---
--- @return	See mcl_util.check_positions_protection.
-]]
-function mcl_util.check_placement_protection(pointed_thing, player, create_log)
-	return mcl_util.check_position_protection(pointed_thing.above, player, create_log)
-end
-
---[[Check protection violation for a node modification action.
---
--- Such as using a shovel or a hoe on dirt, destroying a block or using a chest.
---
--- @param pointed_thing     The pointed_thing table for the object the action was pointed at.
--- @param player            See mcl_util.check_positions_protection.
--- @param create_log        See mcl_util.check_positions_protection.
---
--- @return	See mcl_util.check_positions_protection.
-]]
-function mcl_util.check_node_modification_protection(pointed_thing, player, create_log)
-	return mcl_util.check_position_protection(pointed_thing.under, player, create_log)
-end
diff --git a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_ocean/mod.conf b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_ocean/mod.conf
index 9b639a7b0..a50609f52 100644
--- a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_ocean/mod.conf
+++ b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_ocean/mod.conf
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 name = mcl_ocean
 description = Includes various ocean nodes
-depends = mcl_core, mcl_sounds, mcl_dye
+depends = mcl_core, mcl_sounds, mcl_dye, mcl_util
 optional_depends = doc, doc_items, screwdriver
diff --git a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_ocean/seagrass.lua b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_ocean/seagrass.lua
index 8213fec10..48d42870e 100644
--- a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_ocean/seagrass.lua
+++ b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_ocean/seagrass.lua
@@ -39,13 +39,7 @@ local function seagrass_on_place(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing)
 		return itemstack
 	end
 
-	if minetest.is_protected(pos_under, player_name) or
-			minetest.is_protected(pos_above, player_name) then
-		minetest.log("action", player_name
-			.. " tried to place " .. itemstack:get_name()
-			.. " at protected position "
-			.. minetest.pos_to_string(pos_under))
-		minetest.record_protection_violation(pos_under, player_name)
+	if mcl_util.check_positions_protection({pos_under, pos_above}, placer, true) then
 		return itemstack
 	end
 
diff --git a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_smoker/init.lua b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_smoker/init.lua
index 696df4917..81f3c366f 100644
--- a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_smoker/init.lua
+++ b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_smoker/init.lua
@@ -88,11 +88,10 @@ end
 --
 
 local function allow_metadata_inventory_put(pos, listname, index, stack, player)
-	local name = player:get_player_name()
-	if minetest.is_protected(pos, name) then
-		minetest.record_protection_violation(pos, name)
+	if mcl_util.check_position_protection(pos, player) then
 		return 0
 	end
+
 	local meta = minetest.get_meta(pos)
 	local inv = meta:get_inventory()
 	if listname == "fuel" then
diff --git a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_smoker/mod.conf b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_smoker/mod.conf
index c6bda0fc1..c2c49db62 100644
--- a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_smoker/mod.conf
+++ b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_smoker/mod.conf
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 name = mcl_smoker
-depends = mcl_init, mcl_formspec, mcl_core, mcl_furnaces, mcl_sounds, mcl_craftguide, mcl_achievements, mcl_particles
+depends = mcl_init, mcl_formspec, mcl_core, mcl_furnaces, mcl_sounds, mcl_craftguide, mcl_achievements, mcl_particles, mcl_util
 optional_depends = doc, screwdriver