Mission Statement

Image courtesy Vancouver Maritime MuseumThe Shipwreck Research and Exploration Unit emerged from a shared passion to explore and document the numerous shipwrecks in the waters off British Columbia. Shipwrecks in the coastal waters of B.C. deteriorate relatively quickly. Our goal is to document these wrecks as they are at the beginning of the 21st century using video, photos, surveys and historical information. As a group of DIR divers we will document these many wrecks in the safest, most efficient and most ethical way possible.

Scope

Image courtesy Vancouver Maritime MuseumThe Shipwreck Research and Exploration Unit aims to document all significant shipwrecks in British Columbia’s coastal and inland waters. Significant shipwrecks include all wrecks of historic interest or significant size.

The project further aims to document both previously discovered, as well as undiscovered, wrecks. We aim to present comprehensive information to members and the public via a searchable web database.

Operational Philosophy

The Shipwreck Research and Exploration Unit utilizes DIR team diving philosophy and practices to document shipwrecks in the safest, and most efficient, way possible.

DIR equipment configurations, including open circuit scuba and diver propulsion vehicles, are used in order to gain access to the various shipwrecks. The DIR Project has access to a large cache of equipment resources and will be able to leverage this for ambitious dives.

Sources & Documentation

Historical information will be attained from both primary and secondary sources, and where appropriate will be shared with the membership and the public.

Documentation of our dives will be thorough, including High Definition underwater video, digital still photography, formal surveys, and dive reports.

Personnel

The SREU team is made up of members of The DIR Project - British Columbia’s DIR community. Team divers have varying degrees of experience from recreational divers to technical and cave divers. All of British Columbia’s DIR divers, at all levels, are encouraged to actively participate in the project.

While Fundamentals-level divers will not be able to participate directly in technical dives, we welcome their participation in many other ways. Project expeditions on technical-level wrecks often require surface and mid water support, and assisting in this way can be an ideal way for aspiring technical divers to cut their teeth.

For more information, or to volunteer for the SREU, please contact Chris Fenton at cfenton@thedirproject.com