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.
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.
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.