In August 1981 Captain Kanellis was in Italy, on board the Greek-registered freighter Chrisoula K. Having completed the loading of a cargo of Italian floor tiles for Jeddah the previous day, it was first light when the mooring lines were slipped and the Chrisoula K headed out into the open reaches of the Mediterranean Sea for what was to become her last voyage. It was a long and uneventful journey to Port Said followed by the 200 mile trip through the Suez Canal. From here, the Captain then had to negotiate the narrow confines of the more treacherous upper reaches of the Straits of Suez... more
Tags: BK3D1198CH, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Chrisoula K - Red Sea, Egypt Waterproof Dive Site Card
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The approximatel nine foot (2.7 m) bronze sculpture symbolizes peace of mankind from its unusual setting, beneath the ocean at Key Largo Dry Rocks off John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The original casting was placed in the Mediterranean Sea at San Fruttuoso Bay near Genoa, Italy in 1954. It is known as the Il Christo Degli Abissi or in English - Christ of the Abyss. Professor Guido Galletti cast the original from the inspiration of Italian swimmer/diver Duilo Merchant who wanted a symbol to inspire all who explored and loved the sea in 1954. In 1961... more
Tags: BK3DCD, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Christ of the Abyss - Key Largo FL, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Duane lies upright on a sandy bottom in 120 feet of water one mile south of Molasses Reef off Key Largo. After being decommissioned on August l, 1985 as the oldest active U.S. military vessel, the Duane was donated to the Keys Association of Dive Operators for use as an artificial reef.On November 27, 1987 she was towed to Molasses Reef, her hatches opened, her holds pumped full of water and down she went to begin her final assignment. The Duane was built in 1936 at the U.S. Naval Yard in Philadelphia. She was a 327-foot long Treasury Class Cutter... more
Tags: BK3DD, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Duane - Key Largo FL, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Duane lies upright on a sandy bottom in 120 feet of water one mile south of Molasses Reef off Key Largo. After being decommissioned on August 1, 1985 as the oldest active U.S. military vessel, the Duane was donated to the Keys Association of Dive Operators for use as an artificial reef. On November 27, 1987 she was towed to Molasses Reef, her hatches opened, her holds pumped full of water and down she went to begin her final assignment. The Duane was built in 1936 at the U.S. Naval Yard in Philadelphia. She was a 327-foot long Treasury Class Cutter... more
Tags: BK3D1152D, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Duane (Deck) - Key Largo FL, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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We had heard from a Red Sea dive guide that the Dunraven sank when the Captain went on a drinking binge having found out that his first mate was sleeping with his wife. He would not tell the first mate how to navigate, so they hit the reef (we have since been told differently: the Dunraven caught fire and drifted onto the reef). The wreck now lies in two sections next to each other, both of which are penetrable, but there is not always an entire route through. The large brass propeller lies to the north end of the wreck and the reef to the west... more
Tags: BK3D1198, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Dunraven - Red Sea, Egypt Waterproof Dive Site Card
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The Eagle was built in Werf-Gorinchem, Holland by Bijker's Aanneming's Bedrijf, Ijssel under the title yard number 167. She was known by various names. Beginning on December 31, 1962 under the name Raila Dan, the Eagle was 268.5-feet long, 40.29-feet wide and 65-feet high. She was later named Barok in 1967. Seven years later, her name was changed again to Carmela. She was also known in 1976 as Ytai, Etai (1977), and Carigulf Pioneer (1981). She was purchased in 1984 by Jonaz Corporation Ltd. of Georgetown, Cayman Islands where she was named Arron K. Finally, she was christened Eagle Tire Co... more
Tags: BK3DEG, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Eagle - Islamorada FL, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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The Eagle was built in Werf-Gorinchem, Holland by Bijker's Aanneming's Bedrijf, Ijssel under the title yard number 167. She was known by various names. Beginning on December 31, 1962 under the name Raila Dan, the Eagle was 268.5-feet long, 40.29-feet wide and 65-feet high. She was later named Barok in 1967. Seven years later, her name was changed again to Carmela. She was also known in 1976 as Ytai, Etai (1977), and Carigulf Pioneer (1981). She was purchased in 1984 by Jonaz Corporation Ltd. of Georgetown, Cayman Islands where she was named Arron K. Finally, she was christened Eagle Tire Co... more
Tags: BK3D1161D, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Eagle (Deck) - Islamorada FL, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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Grecian Rocks is shaped like a half circle. The reef covers an area about half a mile long, and is inshore from the other reefs in this area. It has beautiful spur and groove coral formations that are covered with colorful corals and sponges. The crest of the reef is lined with fingers of elk horn coral and colorful tropical fish. There are areas where the reef is totally out of the water at low tide. On the inside of this reef is a sandy flat expanse that is bordered with thick turtle grass areas... more
Tags: BK3DGR, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Gercian Rocks - Florida Keys FL, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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The Master of the Giannis D knew these waters well and was not too proud to trust his more junior officers with the important task of navigation. Setting his usual course, he checked every element of the ship's position and made sure his orders were fully understood before leaving the bridge. Eventually, they were approaching the Straits of Gobal and, as the Sinai coast began to fall away to the east and the Egyptian mainland even further away to the west, the Captain was satisfied that the more dangerous stretches of water had been safely negotiated and finally he could relax... more
Tags: BK3D1198G, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Giannis D - Red Sea, Egypt Waterproof Dive Site Card
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The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia proudly announces the beginning of our newest project: 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 Howe Sound, 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. This unique card provides detailed depiction of the HMCS Annapolis Wreck. Each waterproof card is printed on both sides... more
Tags: BK3D1194A, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D HMCS Annapolis Deck - Victoria, BC Canada Waterproof Dive Site Card
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HMCS Cape Breton was launched in 1944 at the Burrard Dry-dock facility in North Vancouver, British Columbia as the HMS Flamborough Head. Flamborough Head was one of a series of ships intended to operate with the British Pacific Fleet in the war against Japan and for the re-colonization of Asian territories. While they were under construction, the Royal Navy was experiencing a severe manpower shortage. To this end, Sir Winston Churchill attempted to get Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King to provide Canadian crews. This offer was refused by the wartime Canadian leader for political reasons... more
Tags: BK3D1196, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D HMCS Cape Breton - Nanaimo, BC Canada Waterproof Dive Site Card
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The lead ship of her class, Mackenzie was built by Canadian Vickers Ltd, Montreal, and commissioned on 6 October, 1962. Arriving in Halifax on 15 October, she spent the first five months of her service life operating from that port. Perhaps as a result of the "Cuban Missile Crisis," on 2 March 1963 she left for Esquimalt and never returned to Halifax. For the next 23 years she roamed the Pacific, either as a unit of the Second Canadian Destroyer Squadron or as part of Training Group Pacific. During the first three weeks of March 1964... more
Tags: BK3D1194M, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D HMCS Mackenzie - Victoria, BC Canada Waterproof Dive Site Card
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The HMCS Saskatchewan is British Columbia's most successful artificial reef. The popularity of the Saskatchewan is apparent when you consider that well over 100,000 dives have been completed since she was sunk on June 14, 1997: more than all other B.C. artificial reefs put together! Hundreds of boats, including a ferry that B.C. Ferries and its crew donated as a viewing platform, gathered just off the western side of Snake Island, a bird sanctuary and home to over 250 harbor seals, to watch the sinking... more
Tags: BK3D1197, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D HMCS Saskatchewan - Nanaimo, BC Canada Waterproof Dive Site Card
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HMCS Yukon (DDE 263) was a Mackenzie-class destroyer that served in the Royal Canadian Navy and later the Canadian Forces. She was the first Canadian naval unit to carry this name. Yukon was laid down on 25 October 1959 at Burrard Dry Dock Ltd., North Vancouver and launched on 27 July 1961. She was commissioned into the RCN on 25 May, 1963. She was assigned to the Pacific Fleet and served largely as a training ship with the RCN and later in the CF under Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC). She underwent the Destroyer Life Extension Project (DELEX) in 1983... more
Tags: BK3DCL, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D HMCS Yukon - San Diego CA, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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HMCS Yukon (DDE 263) was a Mackenzie-class destroyer that served in the Royal Canadian Navy and later the Canadian Forces. She was the first Canadian naval unit to carry this name. Yukon was laid down on 25 October, 1959 at Burrard Dry Dock Ltd., North Vancouver and launched on 27 July, 1961. She was commissioned into the RCN on 25 May, 1963. She was assigned to the Pacific Fleet and served largely as a training ship with the RCN and later in the CF under Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC). She underwent the Destroyer Life Extension Project (DELEX) in 1983... more
Tags: BK3D1176, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D HMCS Yukon (Deck) - San Diego CA, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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Joe's Tug is an old steel-hulled shrimper originally destined as an artificial reef off the coast of Miami. She first sank at the pier in Key West in 1986. Joe's Tug was then raised and cleaned in preparation for her planned sinking as an artificial reef in Miami. However, late on the night before it was scheduled to be towed north, a group of locals secretly towed the boat out of Key West harbor. The vessel sank en route to wherever they were headed, landing on the reef in about 65 feet of water. Joe's Tug is 75 feet in length, and now sits in about 65 feet of water in the sand... more
Tags: BK3D1158, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Joe's Tug - Key West FL, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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The "Kimon" was a 'General Cargo Vessel' of 3,714 tons (gross) with 4 cargo holds - two forward of and two aft of the central bridge structure. She was built in the German town of Hamm in 1952 by Stuicken & Sohn. She was powered by a 4 stroke single action 8 cylinder diesel engine built by Waggon & Masch - also of Hamm. In December 1978, the Kimon M loaded 4,500 tons of bagged Lentils in the Turkish port of Iskenderun. On completion, the hatches were battened down and the ship prepared for the long journey to Bombay... more
Tags: BK3D1198KI, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Kimon M - Red Sea, Egypt Waterproof Dive Site Card
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Casino Point (Avalon Underwater Park) is a marine preserve and you could swear the sea creatures are well aware of it. Perhaps it's the glass bottom boats feeding them every day to lure them closer for the tourists, or perhaps its years of protection that has been instilled in their genetics. Whatever the case, you'll find the sea life very curious and unafraid to approach or be approached by divers. You'll find a healthy dose of Pacific Coast sea life here at Casino Point, including; kelp fish, horn sharks, garibaldi, bass, opal eye, sea urchin, gorgonian, rock scallop, rock wrasse, sargo... more
Tags: BK3D1178K, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Kimsset Wreck - Catalina, Avalon, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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The Kormoran was built in the then East Germany in 1963. It's a small, 1580 ton freighter with two holds forward of an engine and bridge at the stern. Designed to operate in the Baltic winter, it had ice-breaking bows. The strength and angle of the bows doubtless explains why they are still intact and have cut so far into the reef. Meanwhile, damage from the wrecking has been exploited by the waves to flatten everything between the bows and the stern. The wrecking of the Kormoran remains unexplained. The Straits of Tiran are a busy shipping channel... more
Tags: BK3D1198KO, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Kormoran - Red Sea, Egypt Waterproof Dive Site Card
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Lea Lea's LookoutThis site has two huge, magnificent fissures, about 50 yards apart, running down the face of Bloody Bay Wall. The mooring sits between two sandpits of 35 to 40 feet, which lead to the two big fissures. Like little avenues, you make your way down through soft corals and elephant ear sponges out into the blue at 65 to 70 feet. Down one fissure, the passage opens into a wide grotto called the Cathedral Room, aptly named for how the grotto looks when the light comes down through the top... more
Tags: BK3DLL, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Lea lea's Lookout/Nancys Cup of Tea - Little Cayman, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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A former Navy minesweeper which was later refitted and used in the Bahamas as a cable layer, the globe-trotting MV Mahi ended its floating life as a research vessel for the University of Hawaii and adds a been-everywhere, done-everything mystique to underwater Oahu. Placed on the bottom in 1982, the Mahi was turned completely around and partially collapsed during Typhoon Iwa, so it is no longer recommended to divers as a penetration wreck dive. But even without an accessible interior, the 176-foot wreck remains the most popular dive site on the west side of Oahu. Cruise over and around it... more
Tags: BK3D1135, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Mahi - Oahu Hawaii, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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Marilyn's Cut has some excellent swim-troughs on this site, where two fairly deep canyons cut into the reef. Lots of yellow tube sponges along with red rope sponges dot the wall. The friendly resident Nassau grouper (Benji) and her friend will happily accompany you throughout your dive and even pose for a photo if you are lucky!These unique cards provide detailed depiction of Marilyn's Cut in Little Cayman. Each waterproof card is double sided, made of durable PVC plastic and is designed to be taken on the dive. They are also three hole punched to fit in standard log books or on lanyards.... more
Tags: BK3DMC, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Marilyns Cut/Meadows - Little Cayman, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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Said to be the world's most popular dive site, Molasses Reef is kept clear by the Gulf Stream off the Atlantic coast of Key Largo. Populated with a very high concentration of animals and corals (especially star and elkhorn coral), the reef's inhabitants are a good representation of life throughout the Keys. Look for vase sponges and the sea turtles that flock to them. Many coral formations are shallow enough to make great diving for novices, and spots drop to about 50 feet (15.2 meters) for the more seasoned explorers... more
Tags: BK3D1156, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Molasses Reef - Key Largo FL, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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The development of the Corsair began in 1938, when the US Navy issued a request for a new single-seat carrier-based fighter. The Chance-Vought company won the contract with their unique, gull-winged airframe pulled by the largest engine then available, the Pratt and Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp; the world's fastest and most powerful engine at the time. The Corsair served with the US Navy,US Marines, the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force (and later, the French Aeronavale), and quickly became the most capable carrier-based fighter/bomber of the war... more
Tags: BK3DH30, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Navy 4 Corsair - Oahu Hawaii, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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The British cargo ship Numidia was built in Glasgow in early 1901. A relatively large vessel, she displaced 6,399 gross registered tons and was powered by a 3 cylinder triple expansion steam engine capable of providing a top speed of 10 Knots. On 6 July, 1901, the Captain ordered the mooring lines slipped from her berth in Liverpool and stood beside the Pilot as the vessel moved slowly into the River Mersey and then out into the Irish Sea. The Numidia was carrying a general cargo of 7,000 tons and a crew of 97. There were no passengers. The ship cleared Suez in the early hours of 19 July 1901... more
Tags: BK3D1198N, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Numibia - Red Sea, Egypt Waterproof Dive Site Card
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Casino Point Underwater Dive Park is located off the southeast coast of Santa Catalina Island, less than a 10-minute walk from the Green Pier. This dive park is the country's first city designated underwater park. It was established in 1962 by the owners of the Catalina Divers Supply. The old swim platform at 55ft (the deck is about 30ft long and 20ft wide, rotted away exposing a large grid of steel and supports various sea life). This unique card provides detailed depiction of the Swim Platform and Underwater Park. Each waterproof card is printed on both sides... more
Tags: BK3D1178, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Old Swim Platform - Catalina, Avalon, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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A Short History: Oriskany (CVA-34), an attack aircraft carrier, was laid down 1 May, 1944 by the New York Naval Shipyard, launched 13 October 1945; and sponsored by Mrs. Clarence Cannon. While still incomplete, her construction was suspended 12 August, 1947. She remained in a state of preservation until after the outbreak of hostilities in Korea in June 1950, and then was rushed to completion. She commissioned in the New York Naval Shipyard 25 September, 1950, Capt. Percy H. Lyon in command. Following carrier qualifications for Air Group 102, Oriskany departed San Diego 15 September... more
Tags: BK3DOE, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Oriskany - Pensacola FL, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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A Short History: Oriskany (CVA-34), an attack aircraft carrier, was laid down 1 May, 1944 by the New York Naval Shipyard, launched 13 October 1945; and sponsored by Mrs. Clarence Cannon. While still incomplete, her construction was suspended 12 August, 1947. She remained in a state of preservation until after the outbreak of hostilities in Korea in June 1950, and then was rushed to completion. She commissioned in the New York Naval Shipyard 25 September, 1950, Capt. Percy H. Lyon in command. Following carrier qualifications for Air Group 102, Oriskany departed San Diego 15 September... more
Tags: BK3DOT, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Oriskany (Tower) - Pensacola FL, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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The chimney and archway are the greatest points of interest here. The entrance to the chimney is around 40 ft and then it is 40 ft straight down. After the chimney great opportunity is to then head west on the wall around 75 ft where you can check out the large and plentiful barrel sponges. You will then come across a great photo op - a striking archway that makes the perfect frame for divers or fish hovering in the blue water. There are also a few caves and a mini-chimney to be discovered. Look out for Black Durgons, Butterfly Fish and turtles throughout the dive... more
Tags: BK3DRG, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D Randy's Gazebo - Little Cayman, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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On May 18, 1986, a 130 foot US Army dredge, the Corey N Chris, was sunk in 260 feet of water as part of the Broward County artificial reef program. Then, on May 15, 1988, a 226 foot freighter, the Ronald B. Johnson, was sunk as part of the same program. The R.B.J. landed, by accident, right on top of the Corey N Chris. What luck! Today, these wrecks sit upright in 260 feet of water, joined by impact at their sterns. While this dive is still sometimes done on air, trimix is the gas of choice if you want to remember what you saw... more
Tags: BK3D1155, Other, Books, Educational and Guides, 3D RBJ - Ft Lauderdale FL, Waterproof Dive Site Card
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