The RSB-1 seems to be a popular and rewarding dive site, offering a mix of wreck exploration and marine life encounters for advanced divers comfortable with its depth and potential currents.

Article at a Glance

1. Historical Significance: The RSB-1, originally launched in 1965 and modified for military use, served in various capacities, including a dramatic submarine rescue operation, before being sunk as an artificial reef in 1994.
2. Diving Depth: The wreck is located at a maximum depth of 120 feet (36 meters), with the main deck at 90 feet and the wheelhouse at 78 feet, making it suitable for advanced divers.
3. Unique Structure: The RSB-1 sits upright on the seafloor, with its bow pointing north, and features large openings in the hull that facilitate penetration diving.
4. Marine Ecosystem: As an artificial reef, the wreck supports a diverse array of marine life, including schools of fish such as barracuda, jacks, snapper, and various invertebrates like orange cup corals.
5. Diving Requirements: Divers are required to have Advanced Open Water and Enriched Air certifications due to the wreck’s depth and the potential challenges posed by currents.
6. Safety Protocols: Safety measures include pre-dive briefings, buddy systems, proper equipment, and wreck penetration training to ensure a safe diving experience.
7. Accessibility: The RSB-1 is accessible through local dive shops in the Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, and Fort Lauderdale areas, making it a popular destination for experienced divers seeking unique underwater exploration.

Shipwreck Location Coordinates and Depth

Depth

The wreck sits at the following depths:

• Maximum depth: 120 feet (36 meters) to the sand
• Main deck: 90 feet
• Wheelhouse: 78 feet

Location Coordinates

The RSB-1 wreck is located at:

• Latitude: 26° 13.642′ N
• Longitude: 80° 03.896′ W

What Do Scuba Divers Say About This Ship

Dive Experience

• Divers describe it as an impressive wreck with good visibility and interesting features for exploration.
• The wreck offers opportunities for penetration diving through large openings in the hull, making it easy to enter for properly trained divers.
• It’s known for having abundant marine life, with schools of fish often seen around the mast and structure.

Physical Characteristics

• The RSB-1 sits upright on the seafloor with its bow pointing north.
• It has a tall structure on the wheelhouse, creating an interesting profile and acting as a fish haven.
• The wreck has about 25 feet (8 meters) of vertical relief off the seafloor.

Marine Life

Divers have reported seeing:

• Schools of reef fish
• Barracuda
• Jacks
• Occasional spadefish and pompano
• Snapper, parrotfish, grunts, damsels, and angelfish

Diving Conditions

• The wreck is subject to strong currents at times due to the Gulf Stream.
• Visibility can vary, but divers have reported 30-40 feet of visibility on good days.

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Ship

Fish Species

• Schools of reef fish
• Barracuda
• Jacks
• Snapper
• Grunts (including blue-striped grunts)
• Parrotfish
• Damselfish
• Angelfish
• Occasional spadefish and pompano

Invertebrates

• Orange cup corals (covering parts of the structure)
• Sponges
• Anemones (including plumose anemones)
• Soft corals (like dead man’s fingers)

Other Marine Life

• Various species of algae
• Microorganisms and bacteria (forming the initial biofilm for other species to colonize)

Key Information

What Makes RSB-1 Shipwreck a Unique Diving Experience

Historical Significance

The RSB-1 has a rich and varied history, having served multiple roles before becoming an artificial reef:

• Originally built in 1965 as an oil industry support vessel
• Later modified for military use and participated in a dramatic submarine rescue
• Served the U.S. Navy in underwater mine testing and development

This diverse background adds depth to the diving experience, allowing divers to explore a vessel with an interesting past.

Physical Characteristics

• 160-foot long tender vessel, providing an expansive area to explore
• Sits upright on the seafloor with the bow pointing north, making navigation straightforward
• Features a tall structure on the wheelhouse, creating an interesting profile and serving as a fish haven
• Large openings in the hull allow for easy penetration diving for properly trained divers3

Marine Life

The wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, supporting diverse marine life:

• Wheelhouse adorned with carpets of orange cup corals and other marine growth
• Schools of fish, including blue-striped grunts and grey snappers, often seen around the mast and structure
• Variety of other marine species making their home on the wreck

Diving Conditions

• Maximum depth of 120 feet (36 meters) to the sand
• Wheelhouse at 78 feet, main deck at 90 feet
• 25 feet (8 meters) of vertical relief off the seafloor
• Suitable for advanced divers, requiring Advanced Open Water and Enriched Air certification due to its depth

How Does The RSB-1 Compare to Other Shipwrecks in Florida

Historical Context

Unlike many of Florida’s famous shipwrecks, the RSB-1 is a relatively modern vessel:

• Sunk intentionally in 1994 as an artificial reef
• Not a casualty of hurricanes or warfare like many historical wrecks
• Lacks the treasure-hunting allure of Spanish galleons from the colonial era

Purpose and Design

• Originally an oil industry support vessel, later modified for military use
• Purposefully sunk as part of Broward County’s Artificial Reef Program
• Designed to create habitat for marine life and attract divers

Accessibility and Diving Experience

• Located in relatively deep water (120 feet maximum depth)
• Requires advanced diving certifications, unlike some shallower wrecks
• Offers penetration diving opportunities through large hull openings
• Sits upright, providing a different experience from ships that have broken apart

Marine Life

• As a newer artificial reef, it supports a different ecosystem compared to centuries-old wrecks
• Attracts a variety of fish species and has developed significant coral growth

Historical Significance

While the RSB-1 lacks the historical depth of colonial-era shipwrecks, it has its own unique story:

• Participated in a submarine rescue operation
• Served in U.S. Navy underwater mine testing

What is The Full History of This Ship

Early Years

• Launched in 1965 by Bishop Marine Service at Port Aransas, Texas
• Originally named “Leo Wood, Jr.”
• Initially served as an offshore crew and materials transport vessel for the oil industry

Military Service

• In 1971, purchased by Tracor, Incorporated and modified for military use
• Renamed “A.B. Wood II”
• In 1973, participated in a dramatic rescue operation, helping save two crew members from the Johnson Sea Link submersible that had become entangled in the wreckage of the destroyer U.S.S. Fred T. Berry
• As a result of this rescue, added to the Supervisor of Salvage list of assets for rescuing downed submersibles

U.S. Navy Ownership

• Purchased by the U.S. Navy in 1976
• Renamed “Range Support Boat #1” (RSB-1)
• Operated with a civilian crew by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Fort Lauderdale Detachment
• Supported underwater test and evaluation range operations
• Operated offshore of South Florida and near Andros Island, Bahamas
• Involved in underwater mine testing and development

Final Years and Sinking

• Put out of service in 1992
• Donated to the Broward County Artificial Reef Program in 1993
• On April 23, 1994, intentionally sunk using explosives to create an artificial reef
• Sank in just three minutes
• Renamed “Jim Torgerson” after sinking, honoring a U.S. Navy veteran and Broward County Sheriff’s explosive expert

Current Status

• Rests upright and intact in 120 feet (36 meters) of water off the coast of Deerfield Beach, Florida
• Serves as an artificial reef and popular dive site
• Part of the broader Broward County Artificial Reef Program

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on The RSB-1 Wreck

Structural Elements

• Wheelhouse: This is often the starting point for dives and is described as the highest point of the wreck.
• Cargo holds: Divers report being able to explore these areas.
• Bow: While sometimes difficult to reach due to currents, the bow is still identifiable.
• Tall structure on the wheelhouse: This feature creates an interesting profile and serves as a fish haven4.

Navigational Aspects

• Upright position: The ship sits upright on the seafloor, making navigation straightforward4.
• Bow orientation: The bow points north, which helps divers orient themselves4.

Accessibility Features

• Large openings in the hull: These allow for easy penetration diving for properly trained divers4.

Historical Modifications

While not explicitly stated, the wreck likely retains some evidence of its various roles:

• Original oil industry support features
• Modifications made for military use in 1971
• Equipment related to its Navy service for underwater mine testing and development

Marine Growth

• Orange cup corals: The wheelhouse is described as being adorned with carpets of these corals, indicating the wreck’s long-term presence underwater.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting the RSB-1

1. Certification Requirements: The wreck’s depth (120 feet maximum) requires divers to have Advanced Open Water and Enriched Air certifications.
2. Dive Planning: Proper dive planning is essential, including calculating air consumption at depth and ensuring sufficient air for the dive, safety stops, and surface return with a reserve.
3. Equipment:
   • Strong primary light and backup lights for navigation inside the wreck
   • Large primary wreck reel for maintaining a clear path out
   • Alternate air source (e.g., pony bottle or double tanks) with an extra-long hose
4. Wreck Penetration Training: Divers intending to enter the wreck should have specific wreck penetration certification.
5. Buddy System: While not explicitly mentioned for RSB-1, diving with a buddy is a standard safety practice.
6. Orientation: The wreck’s upright position with the bow pointing north aids in navigation and orientation.
7. Easy Access: Large openings in the hull allow for easier penetration and exit if needed4.
8. Dive Briefings: Standard practice includes pre-dive briefings to inform divers about current conditions and potential hazards.
9. Surface Support: Dive boats typically have crews monitoring divers and ready to assist if needed.
10. Environmental Considerations: As an intentionally sunk artificial reef, the RSB-1 was likely cleaned of hazardous materials before sinking, reducing risks associated with contaminants.

Dive Shops That Provide Diving Trips to This Shipwreck

1. Several dive operators in the Pompano Beach area offer trips to local wrecks, including the RSB-1:
2. South Florida Diving Headquarters is mentioned as a dive operator in the area. They offer drift diving trips to local wrecks and reefs.
3. Aqua Life Divers provides various dive trip options, including morning, afternoon, and night dives, as well as private charters. While they don’t specifically mention RSB-1, they do offer wreck diving trips.
4. Squalo Divers offers Pompano Beach diving trips that include wreck and reef dives. They specifically mention RSB-1 as one of the wrecks visited on their advanced diving trips.
5. The RSB-1 is typically considered an advanced dive due to its depth (120 feet maximum). Dive operators usually require Advanced Open Water and Enriched Air certifications for this site.

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• The Vamar
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• The Loftus Wreck
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• YDT-14 and YDT-15
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