Cooper River Dive Plan

Divers search the bottom of the Cooper River for giant megalodon fossilized shark teeth, whale fossils, mastodon fossils, Native American artifacts, Colonial artifacts, Revolutionary & Civil War relics. community, regardless of certification, agree to uphold certain core beliefs and to share techniques that will improve explorers' experiences.

SCUBA Prerequisite
Diver must be Advanced SCUBA, a student enrolled in Advanced SCUBA, or possess Swift Water certification. Divers Must Obtain a South Carolina Artifact Collection License.

• Obtaining the Collection License is the responsibility of the diver.
  Download the Collection License Application.

Set Up Area and Boat
The Parking lot and the point of entry have no facilities on site. The Boat is equipped with large benches, overhead storage, a top cover and a cooler.

Geography
Areas to be explored include

• The Abby - 30 - 40 ft. Hard pack, gravel. Artifacts.
  
• Rice Hope - 30 - 40 ft. Sand and gravel, logs. Bricks, small artifacts, teeth.
  
• Camp Grounds - 30 - 40 ft. Sand and gravel, logs. Small artifacts, teeth.
  
• Red Bank - 30 - 50 ft. Sand and gravel, logs. Small artifacts, teeth.
  
• Power Lines - 30 - 70 ft. Sand and gravel, logs. Artifacts, teeth.
  
  

Surface and Underwater Conditions
Winter surface temperatures range from 30 to 50 degrees, with water temperatures in the 40s. In the Spring, surface temperatures range from 50 to 90 degrees, with water temperatures from 40 to 60 degrees. In the Summer, surface temperatures range from 70 to 100 degrees with water temperatures in the upper 70s to mid-80s. In the Fall, surface temperatures range from 50 to 85 degrees with water temperatures in the 50s and 60s.

At the Surface, divers will experience a moderate to strong current. Underwater, where depths range from 30 to 70 feet, divers may experience moderate to strong transitory, Eddie and rip currents. Dive sites are typically sandy and rocky with gravel, logs, hard and soft clay, occasional pits, hills and overhangs.

Wildlife
Algae blooms, rice patties, water hyacinths, lily pads, fresh water fish, sturgeon, dolphins, bull sharks, snakes, turtles, alligators.


Dive Plan
Divers engage in four dives each day, each averaging 60 minutes in duration with one hour SIT.