Info. About the Riv Tow Lion Tug in Nanaimo, B.C.?

[jim T.]

Hi,
I'd like to dive the sunken reef project tug "The RivTow Lion" under Departure Bay in Nanaimo, B.C. Canada.

I'm considering it for my 1st recreational wreck dive. Anyone here dove on her? Is it a good lst wreck for a purely recreational diver? (No wreck training). I'm not considering penetration, but a charter boat capt. told me that there is an easy 4 ft. square entrance and exit via the engine room and up the stack or a hatch near the stack?

I'll have done about 30-32 dives by summer when I hope to dive this wreck. Do you think it an easy/lst wreck dive for me? Would the swim through described above be ok if the viz is good and I have a divemaster/guide with me?

Thanks!

 

[wedivebc]

Hi,
I'd like to dive the sunken reef project tug "The RivTow Lion" under Departure Bay in Nanaimo, B.C. Canada.

I'm considering it for my 1st recreational wreck dive. Anyone here dove on her? Is it a good lst wreck for a purely recreational diver? (No wreck training). I'm not considering penetration, but a charter boat capt. told me that there is an easy 4 ft. square entrance and exit via the engine room and up the stack or a hatch near the stack?

I'll have done about 30-32 dives by summer when I hope to dive this wreck. Do you think it an easy/lst wreck dive for me? Would the swim through described above be ok if the viz is good and I have a divemaster/guide with me?

Thanks!

I just dove on her last week. The maximum depth is about 85ft but most is around 60-70. There are a couple of swimthroughs and the entire room area is easily accessible with exits on 3 sides. It is an easy wreck and I suggest for a first wreck experience it is ideal. It is also very sheltered and so when the weather is bad we can always dive the rivtow. My buddy Ron and I were the first to dive her after the safety divers the day of her sinking.

 

[jim T.]

Thanks very much wedivebc. That sounds encouraging and also what I've been told "on the street".

Did you charter with a Nanaimo outfit? Do you know what size tanks they provided?
(I'm renting LP 95s at home.)

I've seen a slide show of the Riv Tow Lion and I'm through Nanaimo on my sailboat every summer, so this would be right down the channel from the anchorage!

 

[jim T.]

edited by Jim T. (double post :-( )

 

[wedivebc]

Thanks very much wedivebc. That sounds encouraging and also what I've been told "on the street".

Did you charter with a Nanaimo outfit? Do you know what size tanks they provided?
(I'm renting LP 95s at home.)

I've seen a slide show of the Riv Tow Lion and I'm through Nanaimo on my sailboat every summer, so this would be right down the channel from the anchorage!

The owners of this charter are good friends of mine and so I am a frequent flyer on this boat. They rent 80s which I think is standard for this area. Let me know when you are in town, I may be able to join you.

 

[jim T.]

Thanks again. I may have something going with Ian from another charter co. but I'll check your recommended charter out.

Dave, if you like, email me your contact info. and I'll see what develops this summer!

 

[Darnold9999]

Was out with these guys a month or so ago. Was treated very well.

 

[wedivebc]

Thanks again. I may have something going with Ian from another charter co. but I'll check your recommended charter out.

Dave, if you like, email me your contact info. and I'll see what develops this summer!

Ian is good too. You won't go wrong with either.
PM sent re: contact info.