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corrosion; the interior of the ship is gutted to remove
items that could break loose during the scuttling
process or subsequent corrosion; and the ship is
thoroughly cleaned.
The hulk's suitability as a diving site is enhanced
by cutting holes in the hull and deck to enable access
to and from the vessel, widening of bulkheads for safe
manoeuvring through internal passageways, removing
items (such as cabling, non-structural partitions,
hatches and doors) that could obstruct access, and
sealing some areas to prevent access for safety reasons.
The ship is then prepared for scuttling by the
strategic placement of explosive charges to maintain
structural integrity during detonation and to ensure
that the vessel sinks on a relatively even keel and
settle upright on the seabed in the correct location,
depth and orientation.
Navigation markers and mooring buoys are later
installed for operation as a dive site.“The ship is
then prepared for
scuttling by the
strategic placement
of explosive
charges”