Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Mark 2 Submarine

Explore the RMC Experimental Submersible, a pioneering Canadian prototype submarine located in Navy Bay, Kingston, Ontario. Dive into history at a depth of 20 feet.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: RMC Experimental Submersible
  • Type: Two-man prototype submarine
  • Year Built: Early 1950s
  • Builder: RMC Mechanical Engineering Department
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 6 m / 20 ft
  • Location: Navy Bay, Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Two-man prototype submarine designed for underwater inspections.

Description

Description: The RMC Experimental Submersible features a lightweight hull designed to equalize internal and external pressure, allowing safe operation at various depths. It is powered by a modified torpedo motor adapted for submersible use, capable of operating at depths of 20-30 feet with a speed of approximately two feet per second. The submersible was intended for two operators to conduct underwater inspections without diving fatigue.

History

History: 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. 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.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents:

  • 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.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition: The submersible was dismantled and disposed of in Navy Bay, with some remnants remaining on the silty bottom.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility: The wreck is relatively shallow at 20 feet (~6 meters), making it accessible for divers of all skill levels. Visibility can vary from moderate to low, depending on water conditions, as the silt bottom can easily be disturbed. Divers should exercise caution to avoid disturbing the silt and artifacts.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”mark-2-submarine” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

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.

Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record

This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.

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.
  • 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

  • Safety:
    • Due to the silty bottom, maintain good buoyancy control to preserve visibility.
  • Conservation:
    • Respect the site’s historical significance by avoiding any disturbance of the wreckage.
  • 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

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

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