Wreck diving is a target-based underwater adventure that is primarily focused on visiting and exploring a sunken vessel. Divers who are certified for open water may visit and explore wrecks, cover the hull, check out the inside sections and explore the exterior part of the shipwreck. Wreck diving is also a great way to discover and learn about the biodiversity of marine life as shipwrecks are typically the favorite habitat and sanctuary of a wide range of species of fish and other marine life. In fact, wrecks are commonly used as man-made reefs.
Scuba divers who are open-water certified are restricted from entering and exploring the inner sections of shipwrecks. This wreck diving activity, which is referred to in diving terms as penetration, is extremely risky and one should never attempt it and enter enclosed spaces of a shipwreck. While there is always the presence of potential danger when exploring enclosed spaces, penetration wreck diving is extremely dangerous as divers might find themselves trapped in interior and enclosed sections of the shipwreck that are unstable, imbalanced or brittle. Another major issue about penetration is the poor visibility in enclosed spaces of the shipwreck.
Rewards of Wreck DivingIf you are planning to engage in wreck diving and you are driven by the excitement and anticipation about the tall tales of treasure troves from lost ships with valuable commercial cargo and pirate booty, then you are definitely in for a major disappointment. Unfortunately, divers are unlikely to discover Spanish doubloons and treasure chests full of gold bullions and rubies. While there may be hundreds and even thousands of sunken ships with valuable cargoes that are lost in our seas and oceans, those that are within 100 foot depth have already been found and cleaned out by the time you get to the dive site.
However, there may be instances where you will unexpectedly stumble upon some artifacts with historical significance and great value. If you find one, it is important that you are aware of the relevant laws with regard to its removal. Some countries apply tough laws and regulations related to the protection of archeological discoveries.
Reasons Why Divers Explore ShipwrecksScuba divers, both the beginners or novice and the advanced divers, explore shipwrecks for the following reasons:
- Wreck dive sites are teeming with marine life as these are transformed into artificial reefs;
- Shipwrecks are usually large structures that consist of interesting machineries and parts and these underwater attractions are best explored and examined up close;
- Shipwrecks provide solid evidences of important historical events;
- Wreck diving sites encourage divers to try new and more advanced diving challenges;
- Shipwrecks are part of an important cultural heritage and some artifacts may even be a significant and important archeological reference or guide.
Wreck Diving CategoriesWreck diving are divided into 3 different categories. These are the following:
- Non-penetration wreck diving
- Limited penetration wreck diving
- Full penetration wreck diving
The non-penetration wreck diving category is the least hazardous. However, wreck divers still have to be knowledgeable about the risk of entanglement from fishing lines and fishing nets, which may have been snagged onto the various parts of the wreck’s exterior. In addition to this, divers should also be careful with the underlying terrain as there may be some concealed sharp edges and debris.
The limited penetration wreck diving category has a higher level of risk. Divers are limited within the light zone and the level of risk is somewhat mitigated by the proximity of designated exit points and escape routes as well as access to the source of external light. However, the risk of entanglement is much higher and one needs to remember that lateral movements may still be required in order to access the designated exit point before one can go to the surface in case of emergencies.
The full penetration wreck diving category presents the highest level of risk. There is a high risk that a diver will get lost in the maze of enclosed and dark chambers and sections of the shipwreck that are uncharted. You should also take into account the potential inability to access the exit points in the event of air supply failure or disruption.
