On September 12 to 26, 1999, we went in vacation at Sint Maarten / St-Martin. It is a charming 37 square mile island with two nationalities: A touch of The Netherlands in the south (Philipsburg), and a drop of France in the North (Marigot).
PADI Wreck Diver Specialty Course -
Trade Winds Dive Center offers this four dive course: Necessary knowledge, skills, and experience required to safely conduct wreck diving; including required wreck penetration safety equipment. Wreck significance, preservation and increased safety awareness are also explored.
Welcome Aboard!
When the dive site is reaching, we slip backwards over the side of the pneumatic, one hand holding our regulator, the other pressed against the side of our face-mask.
We dove on four different wreck sites:
1. The British man-of-war HMS Proselyte - Reef: She was initially a Dutch frigate and was launched in 1770. Originally named"Jason", she was handed over to the British by a mutinous crew in 1796. In almost two centuries, she has been completely covered with coral, and all varieties of fish and marine life can be found there. Several cannons, anchors and other debris from the wreck still litter the site. At 50 feet, she is just a remain of this 200 year-old British wreck.
2. The freighter Teigland: A 120 foot, sunk deliberately on Cable Reef in 1993 to attract animal life and underwater vegetation. Now, in 69 feet of water, we found only a metal structure on the seabed. Both port sides are a mass of sharp ribs. Think of a dinosaur skeleton and your've got it!
3. HVALP W reck: It was opened up, except bow intact, propellor with 50 feet of shaft and motor easily seen at the drive end.
4. Caraib Cargo: In very clear water, soft currents; partially intact upright wreck with all doors removed; sunk intentionaly in 1996, hatchs for penetration. Great! * All sites were equipped with mooring buoys.
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten - On September 23, 1999, David and I obtained our PADI Wreck Diver Certification.
Tips: Many visitors to the island of Sint Maarten / St-Martin arrive by cruise ship to spend a few hours in Philipsburg. But if you really want to see the island, be prepared to stay one or two weeks and do some driving up and down the mountains.
