www.saveontarioshipwrecks.ca
Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the shipwrecks and underwater cultural heritage of Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1981, SOS brings together divers, historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts to safeguard these submerged treasures while fostering public awareness and appreciation for Ontario’s rich maritime history.
Mission and Objectives
The core mission of Save Ontario Shipwrecks is to:
1. Preserve and Protect Shipwrecks:
• Advocate for the responsible exploration of shipwrecks to minimize damage and looting.
• Encourage adherence to ethical diving practices and Ontario’s Heritage Act.
2. Promote Public Awareness:
• Educate the public about the historical significance of Ontario’s underwater heritage.
3. Support Research and Documentation:
• Facilitate underwater archaeological research and document shipwrecks for future generations.
4. Foster Community Engagement:
• Partner with local communities, dive shops, and historical societies to support regional efforts in shipwreck preservation.
Key Activities
1. Site Preservation
SOS works to:
• Install mooring buoys at shipwreck sites to prevent anchor damage.
• Advocate for site-specific conservation practices.
• Promote the “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but bubbles” philosophy.
2. Education and Outreach
• Workshops and Training:
• Host courses on underwater archaeology, shipwreck identification, and diving safety.
• Conduct training on responsible artifact handling and recording.
• Publications:
• Develop educational materials, including guides, maps, and historical profiles of shipwrecks.
3. Advocacy and Legal Protections
Collaborate with the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries to ensure wrecks are protected under the Ontario Heritage Act.
• Promote compliance with laws that protect underwater cultural resources.
4. Research and Documentation
• SOS supports the exploration and mapping of underwater sites, encouraging the use of technologies like side-scan sonar and 3D imaging to document wrecks.
• Work with professional archaeologists and historians to interpret findings.
5. Dive Tourism
• Promote Ontario’s shipwrecks as diving destinations to boost eco-tourism while emphasizing sustainable practices.
Notable Projects
1. Shipwreck Preservation Buoy Program
• SOS has installed numerous mooring buoys to protect wrecks from anchor damage, particularly in the Thousand Islands, Lake Ontario, and Lake Erie.
2. Archaeological Site Monitoring
• Regularly monitor shipwreck conditions, documenting changes due to natural erosion, invasive species, or human activities.
3. Education and Heritage Trails
• Developed underwater heritage trails to guide divers through wreck sites, providing historical context and promoting safe diving practices.
4. Community Engagement
• SOS organizes local cleanup efforts, engaging volunteers to remove debris and invasive species around wreck sites.
Partnerships
SOS collaborates with several organizations to fulfill its mission:
• Ontario Marine Heritage Committee
• Parks Canada (to protect submerged resources in national parks and marine conservation areas)
• Scuba Clubs and local diving organizations
• Educational Institutions, including colleges and universities involved in underwater archaeology
Diving Ethics and Responsibilities
SOS emphasizes the importance of responsible diving:
• Do not disturb or remove artifacts.
• Avoid touching wrecks to prevent damage.
• Use mooring buoys instead of anchors when diving at designated sites.
• Report discoveries of new shipwrecks or significant artifacts to local heritage authorities.
Resources and Membership
Membership Benefits:
• Access to specialized resources and newsletters
• Opportunities to participate in workshops and training programs
• Networking with other diving and maritime history enthusiasts
Publications:
• Ontario Shipwreck Maps: Detailed maps of popular dive sites
• SOS Handbook: Guides to responsible shipwreck exploration
Chapters:
SOS operates multiple regional chapters across Ontario, each focused on preserving local wrecks.
Contact Information
Website: www.saveontarioshipwrecks.ca
Email: info@saveontarioshipwrecks.ca
Social Media: Facebook: Save Ontario Shipwreck. • Twitter: @SOSShipwrecks
Headquarters:
Based in Ontario, with active chapters across the province.
Legacy
For over four decades, Save Ontario Shipwrecks has been instrumental in protecting Ontario’s underwater heritage. Their work ensures that future generations can explore and learn from these historical sites while maintaining their integrity. SOS remains a cornerstone of conservation, education, and community-driven efforts to preserve Ontario’s rich maritime legacy.
Tags:
#SaveOntarioShipwrecks #SOS #MaritimeHeritage #ShipwreckPreservation #OntarioDiving #UnderwaterArchaeology #ResponsibleDiving #GreatLakesShipwrecks