ENVIRONMENT
Taking it further
More about Wreck Champions
Enjoy your wreck diving ? How about taking a closer look and recording your findings for Jane Maddocks ’ latest project ?
We dive wrecks for so many different reasons . A wreck acts as an artificial reef , and can provide dramatic structural backdrops for underwater photography . The same structure provides refuge and habitats for an array of marine creatures for us to observe and enjoy , as well as photograph and record in logs .
The wreck itself can give opportunities for recording as the remains of an engineering triumph , or wartime disaster . It can be used to focus on developments in shipbuilding , warfare , trade and technology .
We can develop our own skills in photogrammetry , learn which marine creatures like to inhabit the dark spaces , and look at how our ancestors pushed forward new concepts . We can remind ourselves how to stow our gear , keep our fins off the bottom , and learn the
Cannon maker ’ s inscription from the Klein Hollandia
discipline of continuing to monitor our diving at the same time as our heads are excitedly absorbed by what we are seeing .
A ship , of whatever age , is a hugely complex feat of engineering . Talented shipbuilders have carried on the traditions handed down by their ancestors ; others were taking a deep breath and being brave enough to create something new . Still others were sinking all their money and hopes into cargoes , weapons , and transport .
Just recently , SCUBA magazine has run stories about two major wreck investigations . The story of HMS Gloucester , with years of work by BSAC divers as well as the Nautical Archaeology Society ’ s work on the Klein Hollandia , show what can be achieved by divers with a purpose .
“ If you ’ re surveying your wreck as an artificial reef , perhaps recording the variety of marine life , that ’ s excellent ”
PHOTO : JAMES CLARK
These were both large projects – your club project can be just as satisfying , while on a smaller scale . If your branch has a favourite wreck , then you ’ ll know that it ’ s the story behind the wreck that gives the dive its special focus .
I ’ m looking for branches or teams of BSAC divers who will set up a small project on their favourite wreck . The idea is to record the wreck , the marine life and the story of the ship or structure . The focus is down to you .
If you ’ re surveying your wreck as an artificial reef , perhaps recording the variety of marine life , that ’ s excellent . If your aim is to do a complete video survey , or photogrammetry , that too is excellent . Equally , if your main passion lies in the engineering of a vessel , that too will serve as an ideal focus for a project . The point is , you can choose which aspect of a wreck to study .
I would love one or two divers in the group or branch to take on the fun of organising one or two dives to record what is there [ on your wreck of choice ] on a particular day , and complete a short report online with images .
If you are a bit unsure then , if I ’ m free , I will happily come and dive the wreck with you or have an online meeting to talk things through . I ’ m looking for six Wreck Champions . Are you one of them ? Mail underwaterheritage @ bsac . com if you would like to be involved . �
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