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.
Adventure brief
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.
Nestled along the northern border of New York, the St. Lawrence River is a haven for underwater exploration, especially for those eager to uncover hidden history beneath the surface. Freedom Scuba USA offers a compelling way to dive into this freshwater frontier, providing private charters crafted for both novice and seasoned divers. Their expeditions revolve around exploring the fascinating wrecks of the S.S. Keystorm and A.E. Vickery, vessels that tell stories of a bygone era through rusted structures and scattered artifacts. As you descend into depths ranging from 60 to 115 feet, you'll encounter intricate underwater landscapes that include sunken cargo holds and remnants of old machinery, all set against the backdrop of the river’s distinctive rocky formations and aquatic flora.
What makes these trips extraordinary is the blend of history, nature, and personal adventure. The wrecks are part of a designated maritime heritage area, making every dive both an educational experience and a chance to witness marine ecosystems that have flourished over decades. The surrounding region is also known for its vibrant birdlife and freshwater fish, which might swim past as you navigate the submerged relics. The river's strong currents pose a unique challenge, adding an element of excitement for divers comfortable with handling currents and buoyancy.
Freedom Scuba USA prides itself on safety, personalized service, and an intimate experience in one of North America's most intriguing aquatic zones. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly outing or a serious exploration of history beneath the water, their private charters deliver personalized adventure with expert guidance. In addition to their expertly maintained gear and rigorous safety protocols, the crew offers insights into the river’s ecological significance, making each trip an immersion in both adventure and education.
For those ready to plunge into the depths of the St. Lawrence and discover its submerged secrets, Freedom Scuba USA provides a unique gateway to underwater adventure, with the added allure of vintage shipwrecks and pristine natural surroundings that define this mighty river basin.
Route Schematic
Itinerary & Route Schematic
Charters visit one of a set of established wreck sites on the U.S. side of the St. Lawrence; below are the principal options and what to expect at each.
S.S. Keystorm
A 258‑ft cargo steamer that sank in 1912 near Oak Island; accessible by boat with a mooring buoy usually present, recommended to view from the outside and avoid penetration; visibility can reach 15–25 ft on good days.
A.E. Vickery
A three‑masted wooden schooner lying on a ledge at Rock Island Shoal — bow at ~60 ft with the stern descending to ~115 ft; the wreck’s angle shelters its deck and provides penetrable cargo hatches where current is reduced.
The America (the "American")
A steel drill barge that sank in 1932 and rests overturned at roughly 75–80 ft; the site has a mooring buoy in shallower water, oily silt under the hull to avoid, and a guideline from a large anchor that leads over shoals to the wreck.
Henry C. Daryaw
A 220‑ft steel freighter that sank in 1941 and lies flipped near the channel wall with deepest parts around 90 ft; positioned roughly six miles west of Brockville and close to shore.
These sites span recreational depths and exposure to current; divers must manage depth and air limits, be prepared for currents and entanglement hazards, and follow operator guidance — routes and stops may change with conditions.
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.
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: 2026-08-17T21:47:32.218Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.