Diving at Gimrock 504 Barge (United States)
The Gimrock 504 Barge presents a significant underwater landscape, a substantial steel structure deliberately sunk to create an artificial reef environment. Resting at a maximum depth of 30 m (100 ft), its form offers divers a complex topography of beams, plates, and open spaces. This sunken vessel has steadily integrated into the marine ecosystem, providing both shelter and substrate for colonizing organisms.
Afternoon measurements for Gimrock 504 Barge show the air has reached 25.5°C. The recorded surface conditions at this location feature wave heights of 1 m. These metrics are updated to reflect the ongoing daily shifts.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Dive Site Overview
Approaching the Gimrock 504 Barge, divers are greeted by a silhouette emerging from the blue, a testament to its purposeful submersion as an artificial reef. While precise details on its original cargo or exact sinking date are not consistently reported, the barge's robust steel structure remains discernable, attracting a diverse array of marine life.
Its large, rectangular form lies mostly intact on the seafloor at a maximum depth of 30 m (100 ft). Exploring the barge primarily involves navigating its exterior, where marine growth has significantly begun to soften its industrial lines, transforming rusted metal into vibrant habitat. Expect to find sections of its deck, hull plates, and perhaps remnants of a superstructure, all offering nooks and crannies for exploration.
Visibility at the site can vary, often influenced by recent weather patterns and tidal movements, impacting the overall perception of the wreck's impressive scale. Without specific current data, divers should be prepared for potential mild to moderate currents which might dictate the flow of the dive, making a drift along its length a possibility.
This site provides an accessible wreck dive primarily within recreational limits, inviting thorough exploration of its surfaces and larger open areas rather than complex interior penetration. Its consistent maximum depth generally maintains conditions well-suited for certified divers who appreciate structure-oriented dives and the evolving ecosystem of a sunken vessel.
Conditions are Moderate
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Gimrock 504 Barge show 26° air, 28° sea temperature, 1.1 m waves, and 31 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Optimal diving at the Gimrock 504 Barge tends to fall between May and September, where dive scores are consistently rated 'Good'. During these months, average air temperatures range from 27-28.5°C (81-83°F), accompanied by lower average wave heights of 0.5-0.7 m (1.6-2.3 ft) and moderate wind speeds. Conversely, colder months like December through March, while still offering 'Good' or 'Moderate' scores, see air temperatures drop to 20-23°C (68-73°F) and typically experience higher wave action and increased rainfall, potentially influencing surface conditions and underwater visibility. Specific water temperature data for the site is not consistently reported, but warmer air periods generally correlate with more comfortable water conditions.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Entering the water at the Gimrock 504 Barge, divers should anticipate conditions that, while generally favorable during peak season, can shift. Water temperature data is not consistently reported, suggesting variability depending on the season and local upwellings. Visibility also varies, often influenced by recent weather and surge, which can range from moderate to excellent. Divers will find themselves exploring the large, relatively intact structure of the barge. Experience navigating around a sizable artificial reef at a recreational depth is beneficial. The site generally allows for methodical exploration, following the contours of the vessel and observing marine life that congregates around the wreckage.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Diving the Gimrock 504 Barge requires adherence to standard wreck diving safety protocols, even for its recreational depth. While no specific hazards are reported, all artificial reefs carry potential risks such as entanglement from fishing lines, sharp edges, or unstable components.
Divers should maintain appropriate buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate marine growth or stirring up sediment. Given that specific current and visibility data are not readily available, it's prudent to check local conditions immediately prior to the dive and plan accordingly.
An Advanced Open Water certification is recommended to comfortably explore this environment down to its maximum depth.
Recommended Equipment
- Dive Computer
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Gimrock 504 Barge, United States. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
For many recreational divers, 2-3mm shorty or light wetsuit provides a practical level of insulation in these conditions. Consider warmer surface protection (like a boat coat) due to brisk winds. Divers who tend to get cold easily may prefer slightly thicker exposure protection.
At the moment, divers exploring Gimrock 504 Barge will likely experience water temperatures near 28°C (83°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 26°C (78°F).
Current forecasts indicate relatively stable conditions for the coming days.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Gimrock 504 Barge.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN World.
+1-919-684-9111- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Marine Life at Gimrock 504 Barge
Although specific species highlights are not consistently reported for the Gimrock 504 Barge, artificial reefs commonly attract a variety of local marine life. Expect to observe schooling fish seeking shelter within the structure.
Bottom dwellers, such as various crab and invertebrate species, typically colonize the barge's surfaces. The presence of such a substantial structure usually draws in a cross-section of fish and benthic organisms, contributing to a localized increase in biodiversity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical depth range for diving the Gimrock 504 Barge?
The Gimrock 504 Barge rests at a maximum recreational depth of 30 m (100 ft). This makes it accessible for divers with Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent training.
Is the Gimrock 504 Barge suitable for beginner divers?
While parts of the site may be shallower, the maximum depth of 30 m (100 ft) generally recommends this site for advanced certified divers. Beginners with sufficient training and experience in similar conditions might find it manageable, but careful planning is essential.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see on the barge?
As an artificial reef, the barge attracts various schooling fish, smaller invertebrates, and possibly some larger predatory fish. Specific marine life reports vary, but wrecks generally become focal points for local aquatic species.
What are the common water conditions at the site?
Specific data on water temperature, visibility, and currents is not consistently reported. Conditions can vary with seasons and local weather. It's advisable to consult local dive operators for the most current information before planning your dive.
Are there any specific hazards associated with diving the Gimrock 504 Barge?
No specific hazards are consistently reported for this site. However, as with all wreck dives, divers should be aware of potential entanglement from fishing lines, sharp edges, or unstable structural elements. Proper training and equipment are always recommended.
Is interior penetration of the barge possible or recommended?
Information regarding safe interior penetration of the Gimrock 504 Barge is limited. Generally, interior penetration of wrecks should only be attempted by divers with specialized wreck diving certification and appropriate equipment, regardless of the wreck's perceived intactness.
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Request Dive OffersConditions are Moderate
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Gimrock 504 Barge show 26° air, 28° sea temperature, 1.1 m waves, and 31 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.