Marine Museum Dive Site Overview

Identification & Site Information

•Name: Marine Museum Dive Site

•Location: Kingston, Ontario, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: Near the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at 55 Ontario St., Kingston, Ontario

•Depth: Maximum depth of 36–40 feet (11–12 meters)

•Average Visibility: 16–20 feet (5–6 meters)

•Site Characteristics: Freshwater dive site with historical artifacts and wreck features

Historical Context

In September 1951, Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering undertook a pioneering project for the Royal Canadian Navy. Under the leadership of T.G. Bishop, a wooden minesweeper was constructed indoors, requiring the removal of an end wall of the building. A marine railway was extended outside to facilitate an end launch directly into Lake Ontario’s depths. This innovative engineering feat was significant in the history of Canadian shipbuilding and marked a turning point for marine design and naval construction.

This history is closely tied to the Marine Museum, which showcases artifacts and records of Great Lakes maritime heritage. The site is a designated National Historic Site of Canada, emphasizing its historical importance.

Dive Site Description

The dive site offers an accessible and engaging freshwater diving experience, with multiple points of interest:

Key Features:

•West Street Route: The primary route leads divers east along the wall toward the Marine Railroad.

•Anchors: To the east, divers encounter an array of anchors, representing the maritime legacy of the area.

•Barge: To the southeast, the Barge awaits exploration, featuring its scow build and artifacts left by divers.

•Scattered Debris: Along the dive route, divers will find tires, bottles, broken toilets, and remnants of shipbuilding equipment, reflecting the site’s industrial past.

•Marine Life: Limited aquatic life is present, including mud puppies and fish, with night dives offering better chances for observation.

Diving Conditions

•Bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg Composition: Silty sediment, which can cause significant Visibility issues if disturbed. Divers are advised to hover above silt clouds and allow the current to clear the water.

•Safety Considerations:

•Sewer Overflow Area: Exercise caution when diving near this part of the site.

•High Traffic: During summer, surface cautiously due to increased boat traffic.

•Accessibility: Ideal for testing equipment, refreshing skills after winter, and recreational dives.

Marine Museum of the Great Lakes

While at the site, divers and visitors can explore the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes, which offers exhibits on:

•Maritime trade and shipbuilding

•Historical records and artifacts

•The Hanley Spur Blog, a comprehensive resource for maritime history enthusiasts

Location: 55 Ontario St., Kingston, Ontario

Dive Planning Notes

•Best Season: Spring and fall offer optimal diving conditions, with reduced boat traffic.

•Ideal for: Training dives, historical exploration, and recreational diving.

•Visibility Tips: Avoid disturbing the sediment, and allow time for the current to clear any silt clouds.

Resources & Links

•Marine Museum of the Great Lakes: Link to Museum

•Hanley Spur Blog: Comprehensive dive site and historical details available.

•Local Dive Shops: Resources for rentals and guided dives around Kingston.

Conclusion

The Marine Museum Dive Site in Kingston offers divers a fascinating combination of historical exploration and recreational diving. The accessible depth, along with the proximity to the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes, makes it a unique site for those interested in maritime history. Caution during dives is advised due to silt and boat traffic, but the opportunity to explore artifacts and remnants of Kingston’s shipbuilding heritage makes it a rewarding experience.