BC's newest artifical reef! Volunteers needed!

[PrincessOfPower]

Hey Western Canada SCUBA Board-ers

Many of you no doubt know that BC has one of the coolest collections worldwide of artificial reefs available for divers. If you haven't yet dove on any of them, I highly recommend checking them out (as long as its within your comfort zone and training, of course!), they make great dives for anyone - photographers, critter lovers, wreck-o-philes, techies etc.

The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia (http://www.artificialreef.bc.ca/) recently announced the beginning of their newest project: the HMCS Annapolis! This 371-foot Destroyer has a helicopter deck and hangar, plus an exterior bridge on the upper deck. Planned to be sunk near Vancouver in 2009, 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 clean up phase of the HMCS Annapolis is about to begin, with the first group of volunteers scheduled for July 19 and 20!! This phase will continue every weekend after that, and is expected to take at least 5 months giving us 20 weeks or roughly 40 days, requiring 12 persons each Saturday and Sunday. This is an exciting opportunity for divers to get to know the ship before it is sunk and be a part of BC Diving History!

This is where you come in! We need volunteers! if you, or anyone you know, if interested in helping make this project a success, please contact me at kwoods@artificialreef.bc.ca and I'll get you worked out. I have volunteers speaking up from all over BC and Washington, so even if you think you're limited due to a ride or whatever, contact me anyways, I can probably help get you out!

I'll stress again that we're looking for a lot of volunteers, so please get the word out if you can!

Cheers,

Kate Woods
ARSBC Director of Membership and Communications
kwoods@artificialreef.bc.ca

 

[sschlesi]

Where will she be moored for the clean up?

 

[PrincessOfPower]

Good question! She's moored on Gambier island, but we are providing boat transportation for volunteers from Horseshoe Bay (and back). Work days are just weekends (Sat and Sun, no long weekend Mondays) and will be approx 7:30am leave, 5pm return.

Cheers

Kate

 

[Les]

what kinds of work are volunteers going to be doing?

 

[sunkmail]

This is from the societies Facebook Group:

The time has come and the ARSBC needs your help!

Planned to be sunk near Vancouver in 2009, the HMCS 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. This 371-foot Destroyer has a helicopter deck and hangar, plus an exterior bridge on the upper deck.

Helpers will be need for all weekends into the fall, to get the ship diver ready prior to sinking. There is an information sheet avaiable upon request, and a waiver to sign ahead of time by any volunteer who wishes to participate.

A crew of 12 will be required every weekend day, with a time commitment of 7:00am - 5:30 pm.

Volunteers will be picked up in Horseshoe Bay and transported by boat out to the ship.

If you wish your store or club to book a day where you may have all 12 volunteer positions, just let us know and we will schedule that. It would be a unique way to spend the day!!

This is a great way to get to know the ship prior to it being sunk, and become part of BC Diving History!


Equipment Needed:

The ARSBC realizes that it may be difficult for many volunteers to acquire "Steel Toed Boots" specifically, this is still recommended, but not manditory, as it is not something that most people have. While safety is paramount, the heavier duty the footwear the better, however, it is okay to come wearing hiking boots, heavy duty sneakers or work boots. Just no tennis shoes or flip flops!

Also there will be some tools on board, it is still recommended that each person have there own set of tools, but if the volunteer is coming with a friend, it is fine to share a set of tools!!

Due to the nature of work aboard the ship, the following items are recommended for effective work while on board:

Clothing:
Please ensure you have a set of "working clothes" along with you and anticipate that they will get dirty and/or stained - i.e. have clean clothes to change into at the end of the day.

• work overalls or jeans, no shorts
• be prepared for all weather
• Appropriate Footwear ~ Hiking Boots/Heavy Duty Sneakers/Work Boots - no tennis shoes or flip flops
• a good handheld flashlight or head gear light (bring extra batteries)
• protective eye wear
• workman’s gloves

Recommended Tools:

Some basic tools will be provided, however you need to come equipped with your own set for use. The heavier duty the tools the better. If you are coming with a friend - it is fine to share tools.

• tool bag or box
• vice grips (2), plumber wrench
• spanner wrench set
• ratchet set
• hammer
• screw driver set
• retractable knife and extra blades
• knee pads are a worth bringing but optional

Safety:
The ARSBC will provide this additional safety gear.
• first aid kit
• eye wash
• hand cleaner and dust masks
• water for washing
• disposable suits for fibre glass removal
• hardhats
• life jackets
• portable washroom facility with be on board

If you are interested in helping create B.C.’s next artificial reef, please contact Kate Woods at:

kwoods@artificialreef.bc.ca, or visit the ARSBC website at www.artificialreef.bc.ca, or sign up through your local DIVE CENTRE!

 

[Les]

thanks scott that helps greatly. lots of questions answered.

 

[Henry]

Les,

I have all the paper work in the shop. Swing by to grab them if you like. We are also in need of volunteers for Sunday. Can you help? If so, let Kate know. ok?

 

[Les]

sorry just read this now. I will stop by the shop and get some more info from you. This is awesome. and if sunk near here, I'll just have to get my wreck cert!
thanks for the info everyone

 

[canadianreefer]

This a great project with great people

 

[Wetsuit 4 life]

I was just out there on Sunday ad the ship looks amazing, but there is still a lot of work left, I spent the day cleaning out the Officers mess-hall, now i just need to get wreck trained and find out how to get back to the room, some place on the 2nd deck. The navy pulled out the electrical work equipment.

For anyone that volunteers I would strongly recommend bring a camera, for me having some in the ship pictures well come in handy when planning a dive in the future.