WRECK REPORT: RMC Submersible Prototype

Location:

Navy Bay, Royal Military College (RMC), Kingston, Ontario, Canada

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• • Name: RMC Experimental Submersible
• • Type: Two-man prototype submarine
• • Built: Early 1950s
• • Designer/Builder: RMC Mechanical Engineering Department
• • Purpose: Prototype inspection craft for examining ship hulls and propulsive gear underwater.

DESCRIPTION

Construction and Features:

• • Design: Lightweight Hull designed to equalize internal and external pressure for safe operation at various depths.
• • Engine: Modified torpedo motor (radial compressed-air motor) adapted for submersible use.
• • Performance: Operated at depths of 20–30 feet; speed of approximately two feet per second.
• • Capacity: Two operators for underwater inspections without diving fatigue.

HISTORY

Development:

The submersible was a pioneering Canadian engineering project, showcasing innovative technology for its time. It was intended to advance underwater inspection capabilities, particularly for military applications.

Testing and Disposal:

• • The prototype underwent successful trials but was not mass-produced.
• • After the test program concluded, the submersible was dismantled and disposed of in Navy Bay.
• • Portions of the Hull were recovered by divers in 2000 but returned to the water to preserve the site.

SITE HIGHLIGHTS

• • Historic Significance:
• • One of the earliest Canadian-designed submarines, marking a milestone in naval engineering.
• • Depth: 20 feet (~6 meters), making it easily accessible for divers of all skill levels.
• • Remnants:
• • Scattered Hull fragments visible across the silty bottom of Navy Bay.
• • The debris field offers insights into mid-20th-century engineering and naval innovation.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

• • Depth: Relatively shallow at 20 feet (~6 meters).
• • Visibility: Moderate to low, depending on water conditions. Navy Bay’s silt bottom can easily be disturbed, further reducing Visibility.
• • Accessibility: Suitable for all skill levels, though divers should exercise caution to avoid disturbing the silt and artifacts.

DIVE NOTES

1. Safety:

• Due to the silty bottom, maintain good buoyancy control to preserve Visibility.

2. Conservation:

• Respect the site’s historical significance by avoiding any disturbance of the wreckage.

3. Conditions:

• Check local weather and water conditions for optimal Visibility before diving.

SIGNIFICANCE

The RMC Experimental Submersible highlights Canada’s innovative approach to naval engineering during the mid-20th century. While never mass-produced, the project demonstrates the ingenuity and ambition of the RMC engineering team. The wreck offers a rare opportunity to explore a piece of Canada’s underwater heritage.

REFERENCES & LINKS

• Royal Military College Archives

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Diver reports from the 2000 Hull recovery expedition

This report preserves the legacy of the RMC Experimental Submersible while providing practical information for divers interested in exploring this unique site.