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| Image by Jim Church |
Shipwrecks can stir our imaginations, make our hearts beat faster and otherwise blow our minds. For some, shipwrecks provide golden opportunities to tape the fish, colorful corals and other marine life that live in, on and around the wreck. Others video the artifacts that were once the tools and possessions of past crews. For many, the history of the wreck is important: was it a wartime casualty or the victim of storm or accident?
Multiple Dive Sites
The bow, mid-ship superstructure and stern of a large wreck are completely different. Each section offers more than enough subjects for a video dive. Penetrate a wreck and you see an entirely new set of dive sites: compartments filled with fish, cargo holds and artifacts such as the ship's wheel or engine room telegraph. At night, wrecks often come alive with yellow cup corals, octopus, lobster, shrimp and multitudes of fish and other creatures that hide during the day.
Introducing the Wreck
Use some wide-angle shots to introduce the wreck and show viewers where we are. Look for parts of the wreck that have prominent features such as a mast, anchor windlass or bridge structure. Show divers in some introductory scenes to establish size proportion and foster a we are there feeling.
Taping Marine Life
Marine life close-ups require a different mindset than wide-angle, show them the wreck shots. Look for darting clownfish or eels peering out from their lairs. Often it's easier to tape marine life at night when colorful corals extend their tentacles.
Taping Artifacts
Artifacts can range from large subjects like a tank on the deck of a sunken ship to smaller subjects such as dishes or bottles. Remember to tape artifacts without breaking anything! Don't feel compelled to handle and move everything. I've seen irreparable damage done to books, clothing, pottery and other fragile artifacts because dive guides and guests handled these items roughly.
Going Inside
Many wreck interiors are bright enough to see where you are and how to get out. However, spaces below decks such as engine rooms can be very dark. If you decide to penetrate these dark spaces, keep in mind that you are now combining cave diving, night diving and night video. Never go in so far that you can't find your way out if all of your lights fail. Watch for wires and other obstructions, and make sure someone topside knows your dive plan. If possible, have a safety diver stationed at your entry and exit point.
A fine layer of silt blankets the decks inside some wrecks. Thus, you must move slowly with minimum movements of your fins. Kick hard and and clouds of light-blocking silt may reduce the visibility to zero.
Believe me, there is nothing more terrifying than being lost inside a dark, silted engine room! (Don't ask me how I know that.)
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