See also p 117 of the AIMA Bulletin 1998 Vol 22 for a similar system that we designed for the Lady Darling wreck site on the NSW south coast. It is similar to what Pete describes but we set it across midships. The standing buoys are well clear of the wreckage but within site (and could be linked by a light site line if visibility were a problem). This also means that divers only have to travel, at most, half the length of the ship to get back to the exit point. I would also confirm Pete's commnets on the advantages of this sort of system, particularly in terms of durability.
David Nutley
Maritime Archaeologist
Coordinator
Maritime Heritage Program
NSW Heritage Office
Locked Bag 5020, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
Email:[log in to unmask]
Ph: 61+2+9849 9574
Fax: 61+2+9891 4688
Web: www.heritage.nsw.gov.au
President
Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology
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You could try a wreck divers double mooring. To do this type of mooring you
place buoys at the bow and stern of the wreck and run a line between them.
The trick is the buoys are below the surface. In areas of high ship/boat
traffic a surface buoy will not last to long. On some wrecks along the US
East Coast I have seen the buoys set at a depth of 60 feet (20 meter).
Now to hook up to the wreck you drop a grapple on a line to the bow cleat.
Run slowly down wind/current on a barring that will bring you between the two
buoy up lines. The grapple will catch on the cross line and pull the bow of
your boat up into the wind/current. Now send a diver down to move the grapple
to one of the underwater buoys.
This system has some good points:
1) It will still be there when you come back as it is below all traffic
2) Use good chain, concrete blocks and stainless steel beer kegs or
industrial acid barrels as buoys and it will be there for years.
3) The buoy doesn't call attention to the site
4) Easy mooring of your boat to it
5) The barrels keep the chain tight so there is no damage to the wreck
6) Mark the buoys as to their location and your divers will be able to get to
their work areas quickly
7) You have two moorings on the wreck.
This system takes longer to set up, but once it is it will last for a long
time.
If this system interests you get back to me and I will go into the actual
mechanics of building one.
Pete Johnson
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