Artifact Collection
Collection of artifacts from wrecks has always been a controversial subject and will continue to be so as long as wrecks are dived and new wrecks found.
Recently a North Island based operator who runs the odd trip to the Lermontov decided to put a general call out to all operators to ban all artifact collection from the wreck, an unusual move considering he has featured recently in the local dive magazine with bells taken off both the Lermontov and Port Kembla. One can only speculate why he feels this change is now seen necessary, I have my views which are best kept to myself.
Go Dive Marlborough have a clear policy when it comes to artifact collection from the Lermontov, I have checked the legality of removing artifacts from the wreck and know both morally and legally we are have nothing to worry about, as long as our guests keep to our Artifact Collection Edict.
Go Dive Artifact Collection Edict
- No artifact collection on day tours
- Only artifacts taken from inside the wreck beyond recreational limits and using deep penetration techniques and equipment can be taken.
- Only artifacts of interest that will be displayed or used can be taken, ie cans of beer, dolls etc stay in the wreck.
- No fixtures can be removed from the wreck.
- No artifacts can be sold or traded.
- We encourage conservatism when collecting items. Leave some for others to enjoy.
- Don’t kill yourself doing it.
A small number of other operators dive the wreck on an occasional bases, some have decided to follow the total ban, others not. Go Dive is the only local operator doing regular technical & recreational dives to the wreck, we are the only local operator that allows artifact collection and the only local operator that has the experience and equipment to undertake guided deep penetration dives.
Having a celebratory meal at the end of each Lodge charter/trip on a complete Morflot dinner set from the Lermontov is quite a special event. The Morflot dinner set was found deep inside the wreck in half a metre of mud, by experienced Adrea Doria & U869 divers and Go Dive staff. If it was left in the wreck it would have never been enjoyed again and lost forever.
The Lermontov is known as the Andrea Doria of the Pacific, without the 80m + depth price tag. This leaves plenty of time for exploration into areas not seen since she sunk. Join us on one of our regular tours and help us discover new areas, but be careful deep penetration is addictive.
safe diving
Brent
Go Dive
February 20th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Thanks Brent for a most fantastic dive on the Lermontov, deep penetration is certainly addictive, and……rewarding.
My souvenirs with the Lermontov logo on will certainly take pride of place in my collection, and you are right, just a few items will do as a momentum,
However seeing all these cupboards full of crystal glasses, decanters and crockery sure makes your fingers itchy especially knowing you are one of the first visitors of all these fantastic rooms frozen in time.
I sure was happy to have such a good tec outfit, twin tanks and redundant sling certainly are no luxury so deep and far into the ship. Well done for providing dives that no other dive shop can provide. And having a fantastic cooked meal from a complete dinner set in the Lermontov Lodge afterwards with a dolphin cruising the bay in the sunset was just perfect.
Going back to Picton afterwards, driving through the amazing landscape of the Marlborough Sounds with the memories of a once in a life time dive, and a tangible dinner plate with the Russian logo safely packed in a towel in my suitcase completlely made my visit to New Zealand.
I will show this souvenir to my friends in Holland and I can recommend Dive Marlborough with confidence to all other members of our Dive Club.
Thanks again
Martin
February 22nd, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Martin…thanks for your comments, I am pleased to hear you enjoyed your dives with Go Dive so much and look forward to diving with you again sometime in the future. Maybe we can catch up again mid next year in the US when we do the Andrea Doria and U869.