British Columbia abounds with underwater archaeological sites. Thousands of ships sank off our coast, many more were wrecked in our interior lakes and rivers, and there are ten thousand years of First Nations history lying in the waters off ancient villages. Our exploration program is the heart of the UASBC. It is through research, expeditions and dive trips that the UASBC collects the information needed to document shipwrecks and other submerged cultural resources.
UASBC Exploration
What is exploration?
Why is exploration important to the UASBC?
Through the exploration program, teams of dedicated volunteers search for, identify, map, and photograph shipwrecks and other cultural heritage to create a record of these sites. Sometimes we use high tech tools like side scan sonar, multi-beam technology and magnetometers to search for sites, or photogrammetry to generate 3D models of known sites. On other occasions we rely simply on divers to report or sketch what they observe. Data collected by the UASBC is submitted to BC’s Archaeology Branch, where it contributes to the permanent cultural heritage record.
How can people participate?
Browse the Dive Trips list to learn more about, and sign up for, upcoming UASBC projects and dive trips.
Past Dives
The John Rosenfeld
Sunday, August 25, 2024 (All day)
We will be heading out to continue our search for the sailing ship John Rosenfeld which sank off Tumbo Island in 1886.
Fanny Wreck
Saturday, September 21, 2024 (All day)
We will dive on the wreck of the Fanny lost off Discovery Island in 1868. This will be a monitoring photography dive. We will do two dives on site as the wreck lies in 3 separate pieces. We will depart from Tulista Boat ramp in Sidney. Charter cost $100.00 per person. Maximum 10 divers. There may be some light current. All diver levels are welcome. Call Jacques (250) 474-5797 or email: jmarc@shaw.ca
Idaho & Twenty First of May
Saturday, October 5, 2024 (All day)
On this trip we will visit the Idaho wreck on Race Rocks and the Twenty First of May in Pedder Bay.
Hampden 5433 Plane Wreck
Saturday, November 9, 2024 (All day)
We plan to place a memorial plaque on the wreck of a WW II Hampden Bomber on Remembrance Day to pay tribute to the crew lost.
Explore Virtually
The Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia’s exploration program is core to the organizations mandate.
Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia
c/o Vancouver Maritime Museum
1905 Ogden Avenue
Vancouver, BC, Canada
V6J 1A3
Email: info@uasbc.com
Phone: (604) 123-1234