Mark 2 SUBMARINE

DESCRIPTION #

The remains of a unique submersible vessel, designed and constructed by the Royal Military College (RMC) Mechanical Engineering Department in the early 1950s, rest in Navy Bay, adjacent to the RMC campus. The vessel was an experimental two-man submarine, intended as a prototype inspection craft for examining ship hulls and propulsive gear from underwater. It was equipped with a modified torpedo motor—a radial compressed-air motor adapted for the submersible’s purposes by the engineering team at RMC.

The submersible was an innovative project for its time, designed to allow two operators to conduct underwater inspections without the fatigue associated with diving. It featured several cutting-edge design elements, including a lightweight hull that maintained equal pressure inside and outside the craft, allowing it to operate at different depths without significant structural stress.

Despite its innovative design and successful trials, which included operating at depths of 20 to 30 feet and achieving speeds of two feet per second, the submersible never entered full production. After completing its test program, the submersible was dismantled and disposed of in Navy Bay. Portions of the hull were recovered by divers in 2000 but were eventually returned to the water.

HIGHLIGHTS #

• Historic Significance: The submersible represents a significant milestone in Canadian naval engineering, being one of the earliest submarines designed and built in Canada.
• Accessible Depth: The wreck is located at a relatively shallow depth of 20 feet, making it accessible to a wide range of divers.
• Artifact Exploration: Divers can explore the remaining portions of the submersible’s hull, which are scattered across the bay’s silty bottom.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The site is relatively shallow, with the wreckage lying at a depth of 20 feet, making it easily accessible for divers of all skill levels. However, visibility can vary depending on the conditions in Navy Bay, which is known to have moderate to low visibility at times. The site is not a conventional wreck but rather a debris field where portions of the submersible’s hull can be found.

Divers should be mindful of the bay’s silt bottom, which can easily be disturbed, reducing visibility. Due to the site’s historical significance, it is important to respect the wreck and avoid disturbing the artifacts.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• RMC Historical Archives
• Kingston Dive Sites Guide

KEYWORDS #

RMC Navy Bay, Dive Site, St. Lawrence River, Submersible Wreck, Canadian Naval Engineering, Kingston Diving

ANALYSIS #

The wreck of the RMC two-man submersible offers divers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Canadian naval engineering history. The submersible’s innovative design and the story behind its creation provide a fascinating context for the dive. While the wreck may not be as intact as other sites, the significance of the submersible and its contribution to naval research makes it an intriguing dive for history enthusiasts and those interested in underwater technology. The site’s shallow depth and accessible location also make it suitable for a broad range of divers, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts.