Lining up the Wreck...

Today's work was largely devoted to making the detailed measurements, in three dimensions, that will allow a model of the wreck to be created on computer. This can then be used to output drawings and diagrams highlighting construction features or providing an overview of the vessel. To augment the datum points established yesterday, each of the upright frames (ribs to the layman) on the Starboard side of the wreck was identified and labelled. Port side remains will be similarly labelled tomorrow. The labeling of the frames considerably helped the teams working to record the various measurements. The line drawing shown was drawn up from a photo mosaic generated on day one.

Hannah handles operations...

Today's dive was dedicated to conducting research for Hannah Cole (Matt Cole's daughter) to complete a heritage project on the HMS Princess Charlotte, a War of 1812 wooden warship wreck lying on the bottom of Deadman's Bay. Hannah mustered 4 divers, including her father (pictured) to make a dive through the 14" (36cm) thick ice of the Bay and complete survey videos and measurements of the wreck. The party was blessed with excellent topside conditions (sunny, with maximum air temperatures of 7C (44F)). Frankly, for dry-suited divers, it was way too warm...

The water, on the other hand, fulfilled all expectations, showing 32F (0C) on the gauges.

Visibility below the ice was really good - in excess of 40 feet. All Hannah's tasking was successfully completed in two dives; each of about 25 minutes duration. A large, very sleepy turtle was left undisturbed on one of the wreck's main frames. The whole event was really satisfying. It's always important to have a good reason for a dive - and this one couldn't have been better.

More pictures can be viewed on the Club's Flickr site.

Bringing the Past to Life...

Last night's talk by Jonathan Moore, a marine archaeologist with Parks Canada, drew more than 20 people, who were fascinated for about 90 minutes by his remarkable knowledge of Kingston's maritime history, particularly the period surrounding the War of 1812. Jonathan concentrated attention on the area around Fort Henry and Point Frederick. Opening with a fascinating review of the work of Canada's underwater survey team, he stressed the importance of regarding sites of historical and archaeological significance as elements of an overall 'landscape'. Parks Canada was actively engaged in research and conservation work with many other departments, notably in Kingston with the St Lawrence Parks body and the Department of National Defence.

The liberally illustrated presentation featured images that many of us had never seen before and brought history to life quite vividly. During the talk, Jonathan encouraged us, as divers, to participate in the work of recording and preserving the sites that lie in local waters. This, he explained, can be done as simply as casting an eye, periodically, over key wrecks to record change. He also hoped that the Club would be prepared to undertake dives in support of Parks Canada research in the months and years ahead. There was immediate evidence of enthusiasm for this work. Opportunities will also arise this Summer to assist a researcher who is going to be investigating a wreck in Navy Bay.

Jonathan was good enough to bring along copies of the Report he published in 2006 on three War of 1812 wrecks. These were made available for sale at cost - $30. If any Club member who was unable to attend the presentation wishes to buy one, they should contact me.



On a lighter note, I am seriously considering having someone else select the dates for future presentations. This is the third time this Winter that one of our talks has coincided with the arrival of a major storm...!

NAS Course ends well..

Students on the weekend's Nautical Archaeology Course all completed the syllabus successfully. One or two, who encountered administrative challenges - or suffered equipment problems - will finalise written reports shortly to gain their certification. Erika (pictured), who instructed throughout the Course, managed not just to impart the required knowledge to the dozen students, but also to communicate the enthusiasm for the discipline that marks her own involvement. Her dedication to delivery of the key messages was exemplary.

Today's activities were entirely practical - in open water - using a real wreck site. Everyone completed at least two dives, cataloguing, referencing, sketching and triangulating key features. The in-water work was all recorded in detailed plans and field notes.

A selection of photographs taken over the weekend is accessible on the Club's Flickr site.

Heritage Symposium a great success

The second annual Limestone City Marine Heritage Symposium took place today and ten Club members participated; by far the largest party of any group represented on the day. The Symposium was flawlessly administered, generously catered and featured excellent speakers. Their subjects ranged from the fate of Herod's harbour in Caesarea to the Second World War wrecks off Newfoundland's Bell Island, with information about advanced technical exploration near Halifax and the survey of the 'Twisted Sisters' off the St Lawrence Seaway's Grenadier Island amongst other topics. The event's obvious success was a great tribute to local organisers working to support 'Preserve our Wrecks' - a Kingston-based non-profit body dedicated to the preservation and protection of shipwrecks near Kingston.