The DAN Emergency Hotline has Changed

The (Divers Alert Network) Emergency Hotline has changed to (919) 684-9111.
Please update your emergency procedures to reflect this change in contact information, and as always in the event of an emergency, contact local emergency services before calling DAN.
The DAN Emergency Hotline is available 24/7. For assistance with non-emergency medical questions, call DAN at (919) 684-2948.

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Hello Volunteers

July marks an important month in our project as we ready ourselves for inspection by Environment Canada. This is first of two inspections planned. We need a few more weeks of intensive volunteer participation to get through this critical phase. Once this is complete we will commence the next phase which includes internal diver access routes combined with more salvage efforts. Everyone is working towards a sink in late 2010 and with your continued help can reach this time line.

Please continue to volunteer in this future marine habitat and wreck diving project by joining the ARSBC team this Saturday and or Sunday.
As always, we thank you for your continued support.
Howie Robins President, ARSBC

The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia, ARSBC, is a non-profit society based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Our mission is to create environmentally- and economically-sustainable "artificial reefs" in British Columbia and around the world for the enjoyment of Scuba Divers, and for the protection of environmentally- and historically-sensitive marine habitats. Since 1991, the ARSBC has sunk 6 ships and one Boeing 737 in B.C.!

Readers Comments

ANNAPOLIS PROJECT CONTINUES

Hello Volunteers,
As many of you may know, as of late there has been a great deal of media on the Annapolis project with some worry that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has nixed our plans to sink the ship in Halkett Bay. Let me be to one to tell you this is not the case.  The Annapolis project is very much alive as we continue with preparations on board. The ARSBC has a sound and logical reason for sticking to our position and we are confident as well as fully prepared to see this project through to its successful conclusion with your support. Apart from the unfortunate politics and miss leading information by critics,  I wanted to address this message directed to you, our valued volunteers.

The ARSBC is within the legal bounds of the law in its application to the Federal Government to apply for authorization to sink the ship. We are in an environmental review process working closely towards resolution with the federal authorities, no different than any of our previous projects and we have a solid track record. The success of the Annapolis project politically is only one part of our process the other is equally critical and that is to complete work aboard the ship so that we can be ready for our environmental inspection.

This is your ship Vancouver, and we know you have wanted one for 20 years so my personal message to you is don’t miss this opportunity.  Please continue to volunteer weekly, invite friends to help us reach that target.  We are so very close to this final stage and by maintaining productivity with extra hands we will make it to the finish line. 
We have our 3rd major event for extraction of metals and materials coming up on May 8 and 9.  A BBQ is planned and free transportation is provided.  We are looking for 20 persons on Saturday and 20 on Sunday and Deirdre will provide you with more details.  As a not –for- profit organization we are entirely dependant on you, our society friends to make this project your reality for our marine environment and our sport diving enjoyment.  The only way we will accomplish our goals is with your help.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to  contact us.
And as always, you have our deepest appreciation.

Sincerely,
Howie Robins
President ARSBC
CC ARSBC Board of Directors

The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia is looking for your support for the HMCS Annapolis artificial reef sinking. Please take the time and fill out this letter of support and forward it to:

ARSBC c/o
Vancouver Maritime Museum
1905 Ogden Ave.
Vancouver, BC V6J 1A3

It has come to our attention that a small local group, some of whom are seasonal resident home owners within Halkett Bay disapprove of a marine ecological enhancement initiative planned within a BC provincial marine park. They have been actively pursuing any means to persuade provincial regulators, individuals and local area planners from Islands Trust that what the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia (ARSBC) hopes to accomplish will negatively impact their quality of life and that of users and visitors to a public park.  Much of the critics' claims are incorrect or negatively exaggerated.

ARSBC says “ Critics in Halkett Bay Have It All Wrong”  read the ARSBC Position Paper to understand why...

to respond to specific issues of concern taken from excerpts of  their website.  We invite you to read and weigh the statements made by both sides, and then e-mail us your comments .

In 2010 Canada's Navy will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and numerous celebratory activities are planned for both coasts start in mid-2009. British Columbia will see dozens of foreign navy ships visiting. Please visit the Canadian Navy's Centennial page for more information and links to this milestone celebration for Canada's Navy.

The ARSBC is proud to announce that the Navy's Centennial Committee has accorded the sinking of the Annapolis official event status for the centennial celebrations. We are honoured by this designation, and would like to thank the Canadian Navy for their continued support and vision for this progressive programme of marine habitat enhancement. Please see the write-up by ARSBC Director LCdr (Ret'd) Rick Wall in the Annapolis Updates section for more details

Notice to the TV & Film Industry:

HMCS Annapolis Available for Filming

Several of our previous projects have been used as sets for the TV & movie industry, perhaps most notably the HMCS Mackenzie which was used in an episode of The X-Files.

The Annapolis is similarly available, and would make an ideal and unique set for any show or movie.

Please contact Les Lightstone (LLightstone@...), the ARSBC's Director of Videography, for more information.

ARSBC Speakers!
Are you looking for a speaker for your dive club, Rotary Club, Power Squadron, or any other group? The Artificial Reef Society has a fascinating presentation on the making of artificial reefs, including the Annapolis project.  Let us know if you would like us as a guest speaker for your event. Contact Deirdre to book an engagement.