SS United States to be sunk to create an artificial reef: Depth, dive requirements and when visitors can explore the wreck

A 990-foot ocean liner will soon become a place for scuba divers to explore beneath the Gulf of Mexico. The SS United States will rest off Florida's Gulf Coast, with its upper deck about 55 to 60 feet below the surface. But not every part of the ship will be open to every diver. Depth and certification will determine how far they can go.

The ship was designed by naval architect William Francis Gibbs and first sailed in 1952. It became the fastest ocean liner in history, as per CBS Sunday Morning. During its nearly two decades in passenger service, it carried four US presidents, which included Harry S. Truman. The lists also add many celebrities and thousands of passengers.

It will rest about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Its upper deck will sit about 55 to 60 feet below the surface. The seafloor will be about 180 feet deep. Here is what divers should know before they plan a trip.


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Where will the SS United States artificial reef be?

The 990-foot ship is expected to sit upright on the seafloor. Its upper deck will be much closer to the surface than its lower sections. This will give divers with different levels of experience access to different parts of the wreck, subject to their training and depth limits.

How deep will the SS United States wreck be?

As per the SDI blog, the upper section of the wreck falls within recreational diving limits. However, divers who want to explore the deeper parts will need deep-diving and technical training. The deepest sections may require decompression and trimix training.

Those who want to enter the ship will also need wreck-diving certification. The SDI Wreck Diver course covers non-penetration and limited penetration. For full wreck penetration, divers can pursue TDI's Advanced Wreck Diver course.

The required certification will depend on how deep a diver wants to go and whether they plan to enter the ship.

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Divers who want to explore the wreck's exterior can do so within the limits of their certification. Those who plan to enter the ship will need wreck-diving training.

The SDI Wreck Diver course covers non-penetration and limited penetration. That means a diver can enter a wreck but must remain within the light of the entrance. The course requires Deep Diver certification or proof of experience below 60 feet.

Divers who intends to go down into the deeper parts of the ship will require technical training. Full penetration of the wreck will require more specialist skills. The deepest bits of the wreck may also require decompression and trimix training.

The ship was expected to sink in the second week of November, if the weather permits as per SDI. However, it also did not provide a confirmed schedule for public access.

Why is the SS United States becoming an artificial reef?

An artificial reef is a man made structure placed on the seabed to create a habitat for marine life. Over time, fish and other sea creatures can use it for shelter and food.

The SS United States will offer a large underwater structure for marine life. It will also create a new site for recreational and technical divers.