Wreck Diving

1
Wreck Diving

• Introduction
• Why Dive a Wreck
• Special Considerations
• Whats 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 shouldnt 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

• Air supply
• Decompression Status
• Nitrogen Narcosis

• Deeper Depth

18
Special Considerations

• Research the wreck
• Know the hazards learn any specialized
  techniques
• Know the Points of Interest

• Orientation (briefing)

19
Special Considerations

• Resist Temptation!
• Wreck penetration increases the potential hazards
  dramatically!

• Wreck Penetration

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

• Baseline
• Feature reference
• Follow the ships layout

• Navigate

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