HAMMOND SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Ghosts of the St. Lawrence: Diving the A.E. Vickery, The America and S.S. Keystorm from Hammond
Public charters run by Freedom Scuba USA out of Hammond ferry small groups to historic wrecks in the St. Lawrence River; this guide details what to expect, what to bring and the dive depths for novice to advanced divers.
Ghosts of the St. Lawrence: Diving the A.E. Vickery, The America and S.S. Keystorm from Hammond.
Adventure brief
Ghosts of the St. Lawrence: Diving the A.E. Vickery, The America and S.S. Keystorm from Hammond
From Hammond, New York, Freedom Scuba USA runs public charters that drop small groups onto some of the St. Lawrence River’s most evocative wrecks. Divers of varying experience levels can explore wooden and steel hulks—most notably the A.E. Vickery and The America—where visibility on a good day reaches into the teens and low twenties of feet and large fish are a common sight.
The St. Lawrence River cuts a powerful corridor between the U.S. and Canada, its waters concealing a compelling chapter of maritime history beneath the surface. Freedom Scuba USA invites divers to slip into this realm with their Public Charters, offering unique access to historic shipwrecks like the A.E. Vickery and The American. Located near Hammond, New York, these dives are set against the dramatic backdrop of one of North America’s most storied waterways.
Diving here unfolds like traveling back in time. The A.E. Vickery, a 19th-century wooden schooner resting between 60 and 115 feet deep on Rock Island Shoal, presents a haunting silhouette for intermediate to advanced divers. Nearby, the steel hull of The American lies at about 80 feet across the shipping channel, offering a stark contrast and a glimpse into early 20th-century industrial maritime craft. Visibility can reach up to 25 feet, a generous window to observe large fish circling these underwater monuments to history.
Freedom Scuba USA’s Public Charters accommodate up to six divers per trip, spanning durations of 2, 4, or 8 hours. The diving environment here requires attentive buoyancy control and awareness of air supply, particularly given occasional fishing line hazards. Night dives are on offer, transforming these wrecks into mysterious underwater cathedrals alive with nocturnal aquatic life.
This operation is a key asset to local outdoor recreation, drawing divers from across the Northeast to this lesser-known freshwater wreck diving destination. It combines rich history, challenging conditions, and well-supported logistics. The launch point at 71 Schermerhorn Landing Road in Hammond offers easy access to the river’s western shore. Certified divers eager for a blend of adventure and cultural connection will find Freedom Scuba USA’s charters a compelling way to connect with the St. Lawrence’s deep-water stories.
Route Schematic
Route and primary dive sites
Typical stops put divers on named wrecks and known shoals of the St. Lawrence; depths vary by site and dictate the profile of each dive.
S.S. Keystorm
A public dive site where dive lights are highly recommended; visibility can reach 15–25 feet on a good day and anglers’ lines may be present—exercise caution underwater.
A.E. Vickery (Wooden Schooner)
A wooden schooner built in 1861 and sunk in 1889, the A.E. Vickery is about 136 feet long and sits in depths ranging roughly from 60 to 115 feet on Rock Island Shoal.
The America (Steel Drill Barge)
The steel drill barge The America sank in 1932, measures about 92 feet long and lies at approximately 80 feet across the channel from Jordstat Castle and Dark Island.
These dives span shallow to deep wreck profiles—divers must monitor their depth and air supply closely, carry recommended gear such as lights, and follow operator guidance; conditions and site selection may affect dive plans.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Historic hulks: the A.E. Vickery and The America
Two very different wrecks anchor these charters: the wooden schooner A.E. Vickery and the steel drill barge The America. Both sit on the New York side of the St. Lawrence and offer substantive dives for those prepared for greater depths and open-water conditions.
Visibility and wildlife
On a good day visibility ranges from about 15 to 25 feet, and large fish are commonly encountered—an added thrill that can be more pronounced after dark.
Lights, lines and legal waters
Divers are advised to bring dive lights and to watch for fishing lines or entanglement hazards; these wrecks lie in U.S. waters under U.S. Coast Guard and New York State jurisdiction, so standard local rules and personal depth/air limits apply.
What the day feels like
What the charter feels like
These public dives run as small-group charters from Hammond, carrying up to six divers to defined wreck sites in the St. Lawrence River. Expect focused, boat-based drops onto discrete targets where divers must manage their own bottom times and ascent profiles while enjoying the textured, often fish-populated environment around sunken ships.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who these charters suit—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Charters are offered in 2-, 4- and 8-hour durations to suit differing objectives and dive times.
All divers must present a certification card from a certifying agency and bring required dive equipment; dive lights are highly recommended and extra gear should be kept to a minimum.
Meet at Freedom USA Scuba at 71 Schermerhorn Landing Rd, Hammond, NY 13646 for check-in and departure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long are the charters?
Charters are offered in 2-hour, 4-hour and 8-hour durations.
Where do I meet the boat?
Meet at Freedom USA Scuba, 71 Schermerhorn Landing Rd, Hammond, NY 13646.
Do I need to show certification?
Yes—every diver must present a certification card from a recognized certifying agency before diving.
What kind of visibility and wildlife can I expect?
Visibility on a good day is typically in the 15–25 ft range, and large fish are commonly encountered, often more so at night.
What safety or gear considerations are important?
Bring dive lights, watch for fishing lines and entanglement hazards, and pay very close attention to your depth and remaining air—these wrecks lie in U.S. waters and require prudent air management.
What are the depth ranges for the main wrecks?
The A.E. Vickery sits roughly between 60 and 115 feet; The America is around 80 feet.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-12T12:12:22.794Z
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Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.