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 Diving in Ontario - Robert Gaskin

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Dive site characteristics

Types Conditions Services Planning

Diving notes

The boat heads to East direction for about 1km until you reach a buoy a little bit away of the North shore in front of the Canteen Park. The diver makes his entry by following the line leading to the wreck which lies at a depth of about 60’ deep. Upon arrival at the end of the line, the diver may turn right and follow the line leading to an anchor or turn left and direct himself directly toward the wreck. The wreck visit can be done in many differents ways. It is recommended to stay on the side where the line leading to the buoy in order to be away from the water current. Wreck penetration is possible. In that case, it is quite important to control your buoyancy, if you decide to explore the wreck. The wreck is fragile and unfortunately in an advanced degradation state. You should not try to grip to any parts of it or hold on to any planks, etc. At the very maximum, you should use your index fingers to maintain you away from it. Examine the schematic of Gregory Jarrett.

Entry points

Note: directions are accurate as possible. It is recommended to go with someone who knows the site.

Site   Depth   Characteristics  Weather To display on Google map, click on .  1- Molly’s Gut wrecks 20′  On West side of Molly’s Gut Island. 3 shipwrecks to visit.  2- Sam Cooke 60′  On the West side of Battersby Island between Black Charlie Island and Picnic Island. A dive for advanced and trained diver in strong currents.  3- Needles Eye Drift 30-100′  Located between the mainland and Needle’s Eye Island, the dive is done from the boat from West to East near the shore at a depth of ~40’.  4- Lillie Parsons 42-83′    N44 33.350 W75 43.090 Located on the Northwest corner of Sparrow Island, descent along the anchor chain down to 40′ deep where the shipwreck is located. Normally, the visit is done by fist going left and coming back by the rear to the departure point. If you follow the mast, it goes deep to 100′. It is important to grip to the chain during the descent as well as the ascent. Instead of doing the ascent on the chain, you can also terminated the dive by a drifting dive by maintaining a deep of ~40’ and do the ascent as soon as you see the plateau of the docking area. Watch boat navigation. From South-West side of the island toward South-East. Maintain a depth of 40′ and keeping near the shore. Make the ascent in the docking area.  5- John B. King 90′  Located West of Cockburn Island and at 80′ downstream from the "143A" flashing green light buoy. It is a dangerous dive on a twisted wreck. Current is strong and could take you into the deeper channel at 155′.  6- MacDonald’s Point 30-100′  MacDonald Point is a privately owned place. You get there by boat. A drift dive with important surface currents.  7- Narrows Drift 100′  Upstream of the Brockville waterfront. A drift dive within high current. A dive for advanced divers. Avoid drifting downstream from Royal Island.  8- Motor vessel 55′-60'  Located at Smith Island drifting from South-East.  9- Two hulls 32′-82'  In front of the bandshell of Hardy Park of Brockville. 10- Mahogany Launch 70′  Located just off the "Sabre Jet" memorial on Blockhouse Island. 11- Robert Gaskin 55-70′    N44 35.350 W75 40.616 Located at 2500′ East of pier of Brockville. Descent along the buoy line down to the wreck 55′ deep. The visibility may vary during the season. 12- Brockville Walls 100′  Located at 3/4 mile East of Brockville (1.5 mile East of Blockhouse Island). 13- Muscallonge 100′    N44 36.245 W75 39.213 Located at 3/4 mile East of Brockville (1.5 mile East of Blockhouse Island). There is current while doing the descent. The descent is done by following the line down to a plateau at 50-60’ deep. You may go to 100′ deep by following the slope of the bottom. Watch your air (rule of thirds). This is not a dive for beginners. The visibility mays vary as well as the current.

Road directions

Approximative travel time : 2:30 hrs From highway 401, take exit 696 leading to Brockville. Turn left (heading South) on Steward bvld which after the railroad crossing becomes William Street. Follow up to King’s Street. Then turn right heading West up to River street. Watch for the St.Lawrence’s park signs. Park your vehicule in the St. Lawrence Park - Parc St-Laurent (not near the city boat ramp: the city exerts a gentle surveillance). If you use the service of a local dive operator, you may have to park somewhere else. Take appropriate information accordingly. Carry your gear to the boat.

Diver’s services

Services   Address        Phone        Description  ABUCS Scuba 12, Water Street East, Brockville 877 982-2827 613 342-9932 charter, air, nitrox Bottom Time Dive Charters 423, Curzlen Ave, Brockville 888 406-3516 613 658-3334 boat charter, air, rentals (doc) Sea'N Sky 14, Water St. West, Brockville 877 733-9291 613 498-0923 boat charter, air, rentals

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