HAMMOND SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Rent the Boat, Run the Channel: Private Wreck Charters from Hammond into the St. Lawrence
Freedom Scuba USA private charters launch from Hammond, NY to visit four listed wreck sites on the U.S. side of the St. Lawrence River; this guide lays out the sites, conditions, and what divers must bring.
Rent the Boat, Run the Channel: Private Wreck Charters from Hammond into the St. Lawrence.
From Hammond you can board a private charter with Freedom Scuba USA and head into the St. Lawrence River to explore iconic wrecks — the S.S. Keystorm, the wooden schooner A.E. Vickery, the drill barge America and others — each offering distinct underwater terrain, historical artifacts and variable currents at depths generally between about 60 and 115 feet.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
S.S. Keystorm — a coal freighter turned river ruin
The 1909–10-built Keystorm lies in U.S. waters near Oak Island; the wreck is best viewed from the outside (SOS does not recommend penetration) with visibility on a good day up to 15–25 ft. Dive lights are highly recommended and divers should monitor depth and air carefully.
A.E. Vickery — ledge, angle and current
The three‑masted A.E. Vickery rests on a ledge at Rock Island Shoal with its bow at about 60 ft and stern down near 115 ft; the site sits in a narrow stretch with a fair bit of current, though the wreck’s angle shelters its deck and there are penetrable cargo hatches where current is minimal.
Tidal runs, silt and lines — conditions to respect
Several sites have measurable current and hazards: fishing line may be present on some wrecks, the America lies over oily silt that should not be disturbed, and strong runs can make travel from mooring to wreck challenging — plan dives around these conditions.
What the day feels like
What the charter feels like
A private charter from Freedom Scuba USA is a focused day on the river: you board at the Hammond meeting point, run out to one of four wreck sites, drop into river water shaped by shipping channels and shoals, and spend dives trading boat deck time for close inspection of hulls, rigging and artifacts at depths typically between 60 and 115 feet.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who these private charters suit — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Charters are offered in 2‑hour, 4‑hour, and 8‑hour durations.
All divers must present a certification card from a recognized agency and bring their own dive equipment; extras should be kept to a minimum. Dive lights are highly recommended for each diver on some wrecks.
Meet at Freedom USA Scuba, 71 Schermerhorn Landing Rd, Hammond, NY 13646 for departure.
Expect variable current, potential fishing lines, and sensitive silt at certain wrecks; divers should monitor depth and air carefully and follow the operator’s briefings.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long are the charter options?
Charters are available in 2‑hour, 4‑hour and 8‑hour durations.
Where do I meet for the charter?
Your meeting point is Freedom USA Scuba at 71 Schermerhorn Landing Rd, Hammond, NY 13646.
What certification or documents do I need?
All divers must show a certification card from a certifying agency and bring necessary dive equipment.
Are wreck penetrations allowed?
Penetration rules vary by site: penetration of the S.S. Keystorm is not recommended; the A.E. Vickery has penetrable cargo hatches where current is low, but divers should follow operator guidance.
What conditions or hazards should I expect?
Expect variable currents, possible fishing lines on some wrecks, limited visibility (often up to 15–25 ft on a good day at some sites), and oily silt beneath the America that should not be disturbed.
If I’m coming from Canada, are there any customs considerations?
Canadian boats going to the America wreck must check in with U.S. customs first.