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Diving in Ontario

Dive site characteristics

Types Conditions Services Planning

Diving notes

From the boat ramp, the boat has to go South (S-SE) in Canadian waters ~1.5km away, past Grenadier Island. Watch for a black buoy #167 (downstream Seaway buoy) which marks the location of the shipwreck. A mooring buoy can be located nearby. The wreck is at the North of the island which is itself at the North of the buoy marking the Keystorm shipwreck location. At the location, the boat may be attached to buoy. It is mandatory to fly a dvie flag . The barge lies upside-down on the bottom of the St.Lawrence Seaway at depth varying from 40’ down to 80’ deep. The barge sank in 1932 due to an explosion. Descent starts from the buoy which is located on the South side of the barge. Follow the line along the trench down to a concrete block. From there, the barge can be seen, follow the line to the barge. The bow is on the left side while the stern is on the opposite. The barge had 5 poles which allowed it to stand on the bottom of the channel during the dredging (one has been cut by the maritime authority for security reason). Returns has to be done on the same mooring line. Penetration is possible. It is highly recommended to come back with 1500lbs of air! This dive is not recommended for beginners! It is not adviced to stay a long time without an air reserve. The crew of the dive boat must have a way to signal you the arrival of a cargo boat for example. Also please take note that if you don’t control adequatly your buoyancy you may touch the bottom which is covered of crude oil...not easy to clean. It is extremely important to take note that any cargo ship passing by will create a large water draft. You must be prepared for any situation. For example, if you are 40’ deep and you have to make a rapid ascent (for any reason), you may find yourself directly under the propeller!!! If such a situation has to arrive, stick to the bottom!. Dump the air of your BC. Watch your air. Have a reserve of air or a second bottle of air, be near your buddy otherwise, and stay calm! Wait for the boat to pass. If nothing goes wrong then you will have a full bottle of air for your next dive...

Entry points

Note: directions are accurate as possible, it is recommended to dive with someone you knows the site.

Site   Depth   Characteristics  Weather To display on Google map, click on .  1- Keystorm 30-100′    N44 25.800 W75 49.330 The descent may be done on one of the two lines one goes at 40′ and the other at 60′. The visibility may vary as well as the current.  2- American 36-75′    N44 27.100 W75 48.600 Watch your air, the passage of large boats and the current.  3- Indian Chief Islands 60′  Informations to come.

Road directions

Approximative travel time : 2:30 hrs From highway 401, watch and take exit 675 leading to Thousand Islands Parkway - Promenade des Milles Îles. Follow the road for about 2 km. Follow the directions for Mallorytown Landing and then turn on your left when arrived. Park your vehicule in the parking of Park Canada (there is a fee). The shipwreck is located within 15 minutes from the boat ramp. Do you know... If you dive on an american wreck located on US territory coming from Canada by boat, you must first pass by the US customs located on Heart Island. Also, if you dive on wrecks located on Canadian territory coming from USA, you must pass by the Canadian Customs located at Rockport. On your return way, you must pass by the customs of the departure country. For more details consult the rules. If you park your vehicule in the St.Lawrence National Park of Mallorytown Landing, you will have to fill a use permit form of Park Canada (fill all the necessary blanks including date, usually mark the amount for a parking which appears on the panel and make the total). Insert the amount in the envelope (cash only) and put it in the box, place the stub on your dash clearly visible (otherwise you could be fined).

Diver’s services

Services   Address        Phone        Description  Rockport Dive Centre 31, Front Street, Rockport 613 659-3471 air, rentals, charter, sales, repairs

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