Discover historic shipwrecks beneath the St. Lawrence River with Freedom Scuba USA’s Public Charters. Dive into clear waters rich with marine life and maritime past for unforgettable underwater adventures.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required; divers should be comfortable swimming in open water and managing physical load of gear.
Wildlife
History
The A.E. Vickery and The American rest in waters regulated by the New York State and U.S. Coast Guard, preserving a slice of 19th and early 20th-century maritime history.
Conservation
Freedom Scuba USA promotes responsible diving practices to protect fragile wreck sites and maintain the local aquatic ecosystem’s health.
Freedom Scuba USA
Discover historic shipwrecks beneath the St. Lawrence River with Freedom Scuba USA’s Public Charters. Dive into clear waters rich with marine life and maritime past for unforgettable underwater adventures.
Freedom Scuba USA is a dive operator based in Hammond, New York, specializing in charters to historic shipwrecks on the St. Lawrence River. The company organizes private charters that explore notable wrecks such as the S.S. Keystorm and the A.E. Vickery, offering dives in depths ranging from 60 to 115 feet. These private trips present underwater landscapes, maritime artifacts, and the experience of navigating river currents.
Freedom Scuba USA also runs a dedicated trip to the Henry C. Daryaw, a 220-foot steel freighter that sank in 1941. The Henry C. Daryaw rests upside down off the shores of Brockville, Ontario, in approximately 90 feet of water, providing a distinctive historical dive site. Public charters operate from Hammond into U.S. waters of the St. Lawrence River, visiting wrecks such as the A.E. Vickery and The American. Public trips can offer visibility up to 25 feet and opportunities to see large fish native to the river.
Trips are described as suitable for divers of all levels on select charters, enabling a range of experience from recreational wreck exploration to deeper site visits. Freedom Scuba USA focuses on providing access to documented shipwreck sites and structured charter options from its Hammond launch point. Information about departure location, target wrecks, typical depths, and visibility helps divers plan dives. The operator’s offerings emphasize historical wreck exploration, regional navigation, and practical access to St. Lawrence River dive sites. Schedules and site descriptions are provided for each charter to help divers prepare appropriately with equipment before arrival.
Base
Hammond, NY
Launch point on St. Lawrence River
Featured Wrecks
S.S. Keystorm, A.E. Vickery, Henry C. Daryaw, The American
Historic shipwreck dives
Diver Levels
All levels
Trips suitable for varied experience
Depth Range
60–115 ft (typical)
Wreck depths for exploration
Check availability for private and public charters departing Hammond, NY and choose the trip that fits planned dive depths and sites.
Check Your Certification
All divers must present valid certification cards before boarding to ensure safety and preparedness.
Bring Dive Lights for Night Sessions
Night dives require strong dive lights to navigate and fully appreciate the marine life around the wrecks.
Monitor Air Supply Closely
Due to depth and conditions, divers should keep close track of their air reserves throughout the dive.
Watch for Fishing Lines
Some wreck sites have old fishing lines; stay cautious to avoid entanglement or damage to equipment.
Dive Light
Vital for night dives to illuminate wreck details and surrounding marine life.
summer
Wetsuit or Drysuit
Necessary to maintain body heat in the chilly river water, thickness depends on season.
spring
Dive Computer
Crucial for monitoring depth, bottom time, and decompression limits on deep wreck dives.
Surface Marker Buoy
Improves safety by signaling diver position to the boat, especially during boat traffic.