Today I was joined by fellow DIR Project divers Alan Johnson, Kim Anderson, Guy Shockey and Mark Gottfried to dive the CN Barge in Deep Cove, Saanich Inlet.  Jeremy Hoey also came along to lend a hand as surface support.  The winter conditions cooperated nicely underwater and topside.    

We were looking for a shallow wreck that was accessible from shore that we could practice doing a simple site survey off.  The purpose was to get some practice for an upcoming UASBC/SREU joint project on a deep wreck site.  Of course this wooden barge was badly broken up, but it was perfect for our purposes.  The wreck lays in about 40’-50’ of water. 

After going over the plan at great length the two teams geared up to give it a go.  The entry to this dive site is a little treacherous with doubles and scooters.  Even so, Mark was even able to make it into the water with his new bionic leg...although there was some talk of getting him a cane for future entries/exits! 

Mark and Guy took a compass bearing and quickly found the wreck.  They shot an SMB to mark one end of the wreck site, and then proceeded to lay a baseline for the survey.  Unfortuntely Kim flooded her suit on the surface, so Alan and myself descended the line and worked our way along the baseline taking a total of seven measurements from the baseline to the edges of the wreck site.  Everything went smoothly and we were done in under twenty minutes.  So, we took a ride around the site and followed the reciprocal course back to shore.

The day was a great learning experience for all and we look forward to applying some new ideas to future projects.      

Chris Fenton