The Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia is a group dedicated to researching, locating, identifying, surveying, and protecting the maritime heritage of BC. The UASBC is committed to this task for the interest, education and benefit of all British Columbians, present and future.
UASBC Mission
The Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia is a group dedicated to researching, locating, identifying, surveying, and protecting the maritime heritage of BC. The UASBC is committed to this task for the interest, education and benefit of all British Columbians, present and future.
UASBC Overview
Exploration
The UASBC’s exploration program is core to the organizations mandate.
Education
The UASBC offers its own custom course called Underwater Archaeology for Divers (UAD).
Conservation
Shipwrecks in BC are open to all divers for diving, but are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act
Events
The UASBC shares these central focuses with its membership and the general public through a number of events.
Del Norte Wreck, Gulf Islands, British Columbia
Photogrammetry provides a modern way to document shipwrecks. Check out the 3D model of the Del Norte, a sidewheeler which sunk in 1868.
BC Abounds With Sunken Archaeological Sites
Underwater Cultural Heritage Sites Map
The Underwater Cultural Heritage Sites Map identifies submerged cultural features documented by the UASBC. These include shipwrecks, plane wrecks, train wrecks and other sites, each represented by an icon on the map. Click the View Map button to open the Map. Then explore the sites through detailed descriptions and photos. Each site on the map tells a unique story that helps us better understand the province’s history. The Map is updated frequently with new information and new sites, so come back often!
Underwater Archaeology for Divers (UAD)
- The objective of the course is to give sport and technical divers the knowledge, skills, and ability to conduct research.
- Search for and survey shipwrecks and other submerged cultural heritage sites and document the results.
- Underwater Archaeology for Divers course is a 16-hour, two-day course, with a 2-hour pool session and an open water survey dive.
- The course is designed to introduce students to the essential skills required to undertake basic underwater archaeological recording work.
- The course also covers principles of u/w archaeology, basic survey techniques, an overview of sites around the Pacific Northwest and the legal aspect of underwater heritage sites.
- The course includes 3 hands-on sessions where divers practice their skills in the pool, in the ocean and measure and draw an artefact.
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