If you haven't tuned in lately, you may not have heard about our latest project - HMCS Annapolis. Our newest ship is similar in size to the other destroyers we have sunk, but it has a helicopter deck and hangar on it! This is definitely going to be a fun wreck to dive! Please visit our Annapolis page for some updates, photos, videos, and history of the ship.

Volunteers from all over British Columbia, as well as Washington and Oregon in the U.S., have kept this massive endeavour on track and we thank all of you who have contributed countless volunteer hours.

Where are we sinking her? Read on...

When are we sinking her? Read on.

The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia proudly announces the beginning of our newest project : HMCS Annapolis! This 371-footDestroyer has a helicopter deck and hangar plus an exterior Bridge on the upper deck. Planned to be sunk near Vancouver in Howe Sound, the Annapolis is certain to become one of the most unique and popular additions to the fleet of ARSBC artificial reefs on the British Columbia coast. The Annapolis project is a co-operative effort of the Artificial Reef Society of B.C., Canadian Artificial Reef Consultants, BrandLive Promotions, many sponsors, and with the support of dive shops, dive operators, and divers around Vancouver - and even in the U.S.!

Please refer back to this page occassionally, as we (try to) post regular updates on the progress...

Message to Volunteers!

The Annapolis Project is entering a new phase in the preparation of this ship which requires the skills of heavy mechanic work. There are three auxiliary generators aboard the ship that will be dismantled for salvage. This requires heavier tools from spanners to socket sets. We would like to create a list of persons who have the tools and experience with heavy engine work that are available to help in this capacity. Those with pneumatic tools and a portable compressor are most welcome. Further to this, we would also like to know who may be available for volunteer work during the week for this work. The images below show what these generators look like.

In the meantime, there remains a good deal of detailing and refining for other areas of the ship that anyone can volunteer for including parts work out of the engine room. The progress to date as been nothing short of fabulous thanks to all who have participated in the project. We will have a better artificial reef as a result of the efforts put in. To all that have volunteered, you have our deepest thanks.

Please contact Deirdre (dmccracken@artificialreef.bc.ca) and sign up for the Annapolis Mechanics Team.

So, when's she going down?? - May 5, 2009

Dear Readers,

Enthusiasm for the Annapolis Project continues to grow and the ARSBC was over whelmed by the interest level when we exhibited the project at the April 2009 Dive and Travel Show in Tacoma. The project was highlighted in a power point presentation to the public and many expressed interest in volunteering to help.  The first question most often asked is when the ship is expected to go down?

To understand the answer its best that we explain the process.  The lead organizations are Environment Canada, Navigable Waters, Department of Fisheries and Oceans as well as the Ministry of the Environment.  The ARSBC has specific protocols to follow as required by these agencies, meaning reports, applications, and the physical task of preparing the ship.

Our time is dependant of a number of factors but the most important is the readiness of the ship which is why volunteers are critical.  We need crews on the weekends to help get this artificial reef ready so please sign up when the call for help comes in. The sooner we get the ship ready for inspection the better. Ultimately, we go when the Federal Government submits to the ARSBC the permit to sink. Much like a drivers licence that’s when it counts.  Once the permit is issued we can then set a sink date and broadcast this event well in advance. The key is not to chase the permit.

In the mean time the work aboard continues and we are getting ready for a major extraction of metals and debris off the ship on May 23 & 24. This will be a two day operation and volunteers are needed, so please contact us for more details.

Howie Robins,
President

Project News - April 6, 2009

Progress continues on ship preparation. We have Photos of the ship and from various work parties which have been out to help in the preparation process. Also, follow the progress of the prroject through our regular Project Updates. See our Videos page for a YouTube video of our volunteer clean-up effort

The ARSBC is honoured to have received a letter of support and endorsement for the Annapolis project from the Squamish First Nation, in whose traditional territorial waters the ship will be sunk. The letter welcomes the environmental restoration which the Annapolis will bring, and the ARSBC welcomes this expression of support.

Volunteers: The ARSBC Needs You!!

As in all our previous projects, we rely on volunteer labour to help clean the ship and prepare it for sinking and diving. If you would like to help out, please contact us at: volunteer@artificialreef.bc.ca