IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Location: Navy Bay, Royal Military College (RMC), Kingston, Ontario, Canada
• GPS Coordinates: Not specified
• Maximum Depth: 20 feet (6 meters)
• Visibility: Moderate, conditions vary

DESCRIPTION

Beneath the shallow waters of Navy Bay at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, lie the remnants of a unique and historic experimental submersible. Designed and built in the early 1950s by RMC’s Mechanical Engineering Department, this two-man submarine was conceived as a prototype inspection craft for underwater ship Hull and propulsive gear examinations.

Key Features

• Design Innovation: The submersible was equipped with a modified radial compressed-air torpedo motor for propulsion, adapted specifically for this project. It operated with equal internal and external pressure, reducing structural stress and allowing safe operation at depths of 20–30 feet.
• Operational Highlights: Capable of speeds up to two feet per second, the submersible provided a platform for conducting underwater inspections without the physical strain of diving.
• End of Service: Despite promising trials, the project did not advance to full production. Following its test phase, the vessel was dismantled and scuttled in Navy Bay, where it remains today.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Historic Significance: As one of the first submarines designed and constructed in Canada, the submersible represents a milestone in Canadian naval engineering and innovation.
• Accessible Diving: At a shallow depth of 20 feet (6 meters), the site is easily accessible to divers of varying skill levels.
• Artifact Exploration: Portions of the Hull are scattered across Navy Bay’s silty bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg, offering divers a chance to explore fragments of the submersible’s structure.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Condition: The wreckage is a debris field with scattered remains of the submersible’s Hull. While much of the craft has deteriorated over time, some structural elements remain visible on the silty bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg.

Diving Environment: The site features a silty substrate that can reduce Visibility if disturbed. Divers should exercise care when exploring the wreck to preserve Visibility and prevent further disturbance to the site.

Accessibility: The shallow depth and proximity to the RMC campus make it a convenient site for local divers.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• RMC Historical Archives: For insights into the submersible’s development and operational history.

KEYWORDS

#RMC Submersible, #Navy Bay, #Kingston Dive Sites, #Canadian Naval Engineering, #St. Lawrence River Diving, #Historic Submarine Wrecks

ANALYSIS

The RMC submersible wreck in Navy Bay is a unique dive site that offers a tangible connection to Canadian naval innovation. Though not a traditional shipwreck, the submersible’s remains tell the story of a pioneering project in underwater technology. Its accessibility and historical significance make it an excellent destination for divers interested in maritime engineering and Great Lakes history. With moderate depths and manageable conditions, this site is suitable for both novice and experienced divers.