Wreck Diving

1. Wreck Diving • Introduction • Why Dive a Wreck • Special Considerations • What’s Expected of you

2. Why Wreck Dive? • Curiosity – activated your imagination

3. Why Wreck Dive? • History – you view a snapshot of the past

4. Why Wreck Dive? • History – you view a snapshot of the past

5. Why Wreck Dive? • History – you view a snapshot of the past

6. Why Wreck Dive? • Aquatic Life – it acts as an artificial reef

7. Why Wreck Dive? • Photography – wreck can be very photogenic

8. Artifacts – should I or shouldn’t I? Things to consider before you remove artifacts • It may be illegal • You may reduce its historical value • You may not have the skills necessary to remove or preserve the artifacts

9. The Legal Aspect The Wreck may be subject to: • International Law • Federal Law • State Law • Local Law Things to consider before you remove artifacts • It may be illegal • Permits may be required

10. Special Hazards Underwater Wrecks are subject to many different deteriorating forces • Strong currents • Sand (debris) blasting • Bacterial material • Worms Bacterial Rusticle

11. Special Hazards Hazards are created as the wreck deteriorates Mankind can also add to the hazards • Hazards that must be considered: • Sharp Object • Entanglement issues • Aquatic Life • Structural integrity • Surge and suction pockets created by currents

12. Special Hazards Sharp Objects: • As a wreck crashes to the ocean floor the forces acting upon it tear it apart leaving broken wood and torn metal – from there Mother Nature finishes the job

13. Special Hazards Entanglement: • Wreck become artificial reefs – as such they attract fisherman, trawlers and shrimpers. All represent entanglement issues as well as the rigging on the wreck.

14. Special Hazards Aquatic Life: As an artificial reef fish come for refuge and a variety of organic growth occurs

15. Special Hazards Structural Integrity: • As a wreck crashes to the ocean floor the forces acting upon it tear it apart leaving broken wood and torn metal – what is left must then contend with the currents

16. Special Hazards Surge and Suction: • Cross current can be blocked by the superstructure but as soon as you pass by an opening you may be sucked in or pushed away

17. Special Considerations Deeper Depth: • Air supply • Decompression Status • Nitrogen Narcosis

18. Special Considerations Orientation (briefing): • Research the wreck • Know the hazards – learn any specialized techniques • Know the Points of Interest

19. Special Considerations Wreck Penetration: • Resist Temptation! • Wreck penetration increases the potential hazards dramatically!

20. Special Considerations Wreck Penetration: • Potential Hazards • Loss of Direction • Collapsed or blocked passageways • NO direct access to the surface • Restricted passageways • Falling objects • Silt The greatest danger may be your failure to recognize that you are not in a terrestrial environment!

21. Assessing a Wreck Identify: • The hazards • The Points of Interest • The overall condition

22. Assessing a Wreck Navigate: • Baseline • Feature reference • Follow the ships layout

23. Assessing a Wreck Navigate using the ships baseline

24. Assessing a Wreck Navigate using the ships features

25. Assessing a Wreck Navigate using the ships layout

26. What we expect from you! Observe and use your diving skills! Buddy skill – monitor air supply – buoyancy control