GDI:
Part of the issue that I recall with SOS and POW was a difference in agendas for the same intent - Preserving the wrecks. At one time we discussed a fee added to all charter boat users of $2.00 that would go to the maintenance of the wrecks for such things as morrings and markers and research and the obtainment of government grants. This never came about because of the differences between the agendas and the organizations. In short the SOS and POW could not agree how to use or manage these funds (the publics support for this idea was another concern). Geographical territory was another issue. With most of the wrecks in Lake Huron, Erie, Ontario and the St Lawrence, geographical territorial battles became a stalemate issue. The time is now that those who are able and willing to volunteer their time put aside these differences and combine their efforts to the common cause because the resources and willing people are limited. This may mean that a new organization need be formed The Ontario Wreck Preservation Society (or something like that) from the two organizations. It may be time that an international concerned body of people work to protect these historical resources from both sides of the border, the USA and Canadian wrecks all face the same concerns.
What ever you do it needs to start now, it should not involve any differing attitudes about LDS but be supported and based from them. Tom, Mr Adams I believe that you both have the desire to protect these wrecks maybe this could be the time that you step up and work together. I am sure that there are American counter parts accross the border that will be interested to join in the efforts?
when I come to Canada I always look forward to diving what I consider the best wrecks to be found anywhere in the world. Good luck gentleman
It is sad day when I have to read a post by an uninformed individual about the politics of two worth while organizations such as SOS and POW and knowing little or nothing about those organizations.
To give you some insite both POW and SOS have the same agendas and that is to
preserve wrecks. SOS's and it's chapters cover most of the province of Ontario, where as POW's intrests is only in the Kingston and Point Traverse area. SOS receives funding or did receive funding from the province along with other grant monies that they apply for. POW on the other hand has been supported by local business and grants that it applied for, since it's inception in 1981 by the way the same year as the formation of SOS.
POW is supported by the good people in the dive industry Kingston dive stores, charter operators, members from all over the province and yes including members from upper New York State as well as from visiting divers to the area.
Just recently(2002/2003) SOS received a grant from a foundation to purchase a large number of buoys (50 private buoys) to mark the different wrecks throught the province and thankfully, included POW supplying us with 8 of the buoys. Since then we co-operativly purchased 30 more buoys to expand our mooring projects. We are co-operating in an addopt a wreck program which by the way was started by SOS which we in POW have also adopted.(why re-invent the wheel)
As to the addition of a $2.00 fee by the charter operators I think this is an added responsibility for the operators which they do not need to have, instead and I know this for a fact that most business involved in the dive industry in Kingston have POW donation boxes why not drop off a donation there yourself or send one to
Preserve Our Wrecks Kingston Inc.
c/o Marine Museum of the Grate Lakes at Kingston
55 Ontario Street
Kingston, Ontario. K7L 2Y2
Please before you print misinformation kindly verify your information
Wayne
President
Preserve Our Wrecks Kingston Inc.
When can you start posting them up for us to go and dive?
