Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society

Please check out the Project Sponsors listed on the lower left of this web page.  These sponsors will provide free air fills and 1/2 off rental for any scuba gear needed for GLSPS projects you are participating in.  Please click on the logo to gain access to their website to find additional information.

• In April every year, we plan a joint above water project between Superior Public Museums, LSMMA, and the GLSPS.  It involves a weekend of preserving and stabilizing the SS Meteor Whale-back on Barkers Island in Superior, WI.  This is an above water project for all non-divers and divers to enjoy.  (Although encouraged, you do not need to be a member to join us)!
• Three to five weeks before Memorial Day, we begin preparing our project boat, the R/V Preservation, for summer projects on Lake Superior.  
• The first part of June is when all the fun begins.  We launch the R/V Preservation and provide a cruise on the boat and a BBQ for members of the GLSPS.  After that weekend the GLSPS encourages participating in a project by Registering.  All programs and projects are educational, entertaining, fun and ultimately rewarding.  Occasionally, when the class fills up, we offer an Under Water Tools and Techniques Procedures Class.  It will only take place if the class fills up for there is a fee associated with the class to participate.  Please don't hesitate to register for the class if interested by giving one of the Board Members a call.  The GLSPS will only run the class if we have six or more students. 
• June through the middle of October is when our underwater projects occur. As most of these projects occur in or near Lake Superior, a common launch point is the R/V Preservation, docked at Silver Bay Marina in Silver Bay MN. (North of Two Harbors) or, Spirit Lake Marina where the boat ends up at the end of the season for the last few projects and winter layup.
• Group size is limited on most projects so call the Project Leader to discuss opportunities.  They can provide a detailed description of the project and what your time commitment will be as well as any requirements for participation.  Descriptions and Registering for each project is available by clicking on the Name of the Project in the "2015 Projects Schedule" section of this website page above.
• All Participants are required to register for the project (s) to secure their spot!
• All divers will need to provide all their own cold-water diving gear.
• If there is stabilization work needed, you will be required to have completed the Tools and Techniques Class.
• These are work projects, so project supplies and fuel are provided by the GLSPS, but food expenses will be shared by the participating members.
• Each project has a Level associated with it.  Please check the index below to see if you qualify.  (Please scroll to bottom of this page to view).
• It is required to have your own health Insurance to participate in any of the Projects.
• It is also required to have D.A.N. Insurance or equivalent. 
• Liability Releases are required for each participant by clicking on GLSPS Master Liability Waivers - Medical Forms for Projects Updated 3-25-15 to print read and sign before project starts.  The boat cannot leave the dock until all forms are signed, reviewed and OK-ed.

The GLSPS Research Vessel, the R/V Preservation, will be available for use with many of the projects.  Members, this is your opportunity to get involved and participate.  Projects are open to GLSPS Members.  Divers must have a certification from basic scuba diving to Advanced Open Water Diver certification or comparable experience, depending on project level. (See levels below). Level 3 to 5 require a level of advanced open water and sometimes advanced technical dive certifications.  Stabilization Projects will require proprietary training and skills with preservation techniques and underwater tool handling.  The GLSPS will offer annual training for this once per year as interest builds.  If you are interested in any of the above projects, please contact any of the GLSPS Leaders of the project or, any of the Board Members.  Please sign up early. Please remember, any of the above programs and projects can be changed, postponed or canceled at any time because of weather, underwater visibility, scheduling, lack of personnel and volunteers for the projects.

Level 1 – Non Diving Project

Level 2 – Basic Scuba Certification 20 logged dives Minimum

Level 3 – Advanced Open Water Certification – 30 Logged dives Minimum

Level 4 – Advanced Technical Diver / Occasional and light deco procedures - 60 or more logged dives

Level 5 – Advanced Trimix / Open Circuit and Re-breather deep diving / (Invitation only)

TUD = Tune Up Dives

TT= Tools and techniques training required

OE= Overhead Environment

Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society / Board of Directors