Article at a Glance

• Historical Significance: The Black Bart, originally named Vulcano del Golfo, was sunk in 1993 as an artificial reef in memory of Captain Charles “Black Bart” Bartholomew.
• Location and Depth: Situated off the coast of Panama City, Florida, the wreck lies at a depth of approximately 85 feet, with accessible features at various depths (40 to 80 feet).
• Marine Life: The wreck is home to diverse marine species, including snapper, grouper, invertebrates, and coral growth, making it a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
• Structural Features: Divers can explore the intact wheelhouse, open cargo holds, deck area, galley, and ship’s head, offering a glimpse into the vessel’s operational past.
• Safety Measures: Pre-dive briefings, experienced dive guides, equipment checks, depth awareness, communication protocols, emergency procedures, and environmental awareness ensure a safe diving experience.
• Dive Shops: Local dive shops such as Diver’s Den, Panama City Diving, ScubaTech, and Emerald Coast Scuba offer guided trips to the Black Bart wreck, providing equipment rentals and experienced staff.
• Diving Experience: The Black Bart is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers, offering a unique combination of historical exploration and rich marine biodiversity.

Black Bart Wreck Location Coordinates and Depth

Depth

• The wreck sits at a depth of approximately 85 feet (about 26 meters).

The site is a popular destination for divers, allowing exploration of various parts of the wreck at different depths, including the wheelhouse at 40 feet and the open cargo holds at 80 feet.

Location Coordinates

The Black Bart wreck, originally an oilfield supply vessel named Vulcano del Golfo, is located off the coast of Panama City, Florida.

• Latitude: 30° 30.610′ N
• Longitude: 85° 49.450′ W

What Scuba Divers Say About This Wreck

• Diving Experience: The Black Bart is described as an excellent dive for both beginners and experienced divers. Its structure allows for easy navigation, making it a popular choice for dive training. Divers can explore the intact wheelhouse at 40 feet, the deck at 66 feet, and the open cargo holds at 80 feet, which provides a diverse experience for underwater exploration.
• Marine Life: Many divers appreciate the rich marine life that inhabits the wreck. The artificial reef has attracted various species, enhancing the underwater experience and providing opportunities for photography and observation.
• Accessibility: Located just six miles from Panama City Beach, the Black Bart is easily accessible, with dive operators frequently offering trips to the site. This convenience contributes to its popularity among divers visiting the area.
• Historical Significance: The wreck is not only a dive site but also a memorial to Captain Charles “Black Bart” Bartholomew, a notable figure in Navy diving. Divers often express respect for the history associated with the wreck, adding a meaningful layer to their diving experience.

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Wreck

• Fish Species: Divers frequently observe a diverse range of fish, including snapper, grouper, and various species of bass. These fish are often seen swimming around the wreck and using it as a habitat.
• Invertebrates: The wreck is also populated by various invertebrates, such as sea urchins, starfish, and sponges, which contribute to the vibrant underwater ecosystem.
• Coral Growth: Over time, the wreck has developed a layer of coral, which provides additional habitat for marine life and enhances the overall biodiversity of the site.
• Overall Biodiversity: The combination of structural complexity and the surrounding marine environment allows for a rich diversity of marine species, making each dive a unique experience as different species may be observed depending on the season and conditions.

Key Information

What Makes Black Bart a Unique Diving Experience

Historical Significance

Originally named Vulcano del Golfo, this oilfield supply vessel was sunk in 1993 as an artificial reef in memory of Captain Charles “Black Bart” Bartholomew, a notable Navy Supervisor of Salvage. This historical context adds depth to the dive, allowing divers to connect with the maritime history of the area.

Accessibility and Depth

The wreck is located approximately six miles off the coast of Panama City, Florida, at a depth of around 85 feet. It features various depths suitable for different skill levels: divers can explore the intact wheelhouse at 40 feet, the deck at 66 feet, and the open cargo holds at 80 feet. This range allows for both beginner and advanced divers to enjoy the site.

Marine Life

As an artificial reef, the Black Bart has attracted a diverse array of marine life, including snapper, grouper, and various invertebrates. The presence of vibrant marine ecosystems enhances the diving experience, providing opportunities for underwater photography and observation of marine species in their natural habitat.

Structural Features

The wreck’s structure is well-preserved, allowing divers to swim through significant areas like the wheelhouse and galley, which still contains appliances. Such features provide a fascinating exploration experience, as divers can navigate through the ship’s interior and observe its condition over time.

Community and Accessibility

The Black Bart is frequently visited by dive operators, making it an easily accessible site for divers. Its popularity is reflected in community ratings, with an average score of 3.88 out of 5 from divers who have explored the site. This accessibility, combined with the camaraderie among divers, adds to the overall experience.

What is The Full History of This Wreck

Original Vessel

The Black Bart was originally named Vulcano del Golfo, an offshore oilfield supply vessel built in 1977. It measured 185 feet in length and had a beam of 38 feet.

Sinking and Purpose

The vessel was intentionally sunk on July 27, 1993, off the coast of Panama City, Florida, at a depth of approximately 85 feet. The sinking was part of an initiative to create an artificial reef, and it was done in memory of Captain Charles “Black Bart” Bartholomew, who served as the Navy’s Supervisor of Salvage. This memorial aspect adds a layer of historical significance to the wreck, as it honors a notable figure in maritime history.

Dive Site Features

The wreck has become a popular dive site due to its well-preserved structure. Divers can explore various parts of the wreck, including:

• The wheelhouse at 40 feet
• The deck at 66 feet
• The open cargo holds at 80 feet

These features allow divers to experience the wreck’s interior, including the galley and the ship’s head, which still contains some appliances, providing a glimpse into the vessel’s operational past.

Environmental Impact

As an artificial reef, the Black Bart has contributed to marine biodiversity in the region. It has attracted a variety of marine life, making it an appealing destination for divers looking to observe underwater ecosystems.

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on Wreck

Intact Wheelhouse

Divers can explore the wheelhouse, located at a depth of 40 feet. This area remains largely intact, allowing for an immersive experience as divers navigate through the command center of the vessel.

Open Cargo Holds

The wreck includes open cargo holds situated at about 80 feet deep. These holds provide opportunities for divers to swim through and observe the structural integrity of the ship.

Deck Area

The deck of the Black Bart, located at 66 feet, is accessible for divers. This area showcases the vessel’s design and layout, contributing to the overall historical context of the wreck.

Galley and Ship’s Head

The galley, or kitchen, still contains several appliances, offering insights into the daily operations of the ship. Additionally, the ship’s head (toilet) is also intact, providing a glimpse into the living conditions aboard the vessel.

Historical Context

The wreck was originally named Vulcano del Golfo and was sunk in 1993 as an artificial reef in memory of Captain Charles “Black Bart” Bartholomew. This historical significance adds to the wreck’s allure, as divers can appreciate the legacy of the vessel and its namesake.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting Black Bart

Pre-Dive Briefing

Dive operators typically conduct a thorough pre-dive briefing. This includes information about the wreck’s layout, depth, and potential hazards, ensuring divers are well-informed before entering the water.

Dive Guides

Many dive operators provide experienced dive guides familiar with the wreck. These guides assist divers in navigating the site and can offer immediate support in case of emergencies.

Equipment Checks

Divers are encouraged to perform equipment checks before the dive. This includes verifying that all gear, such as tanks, regulators, and buoyancy control devices, are functioning properly to prevent any issues underwater.

Depth Awareness

The Black Bart wreck is considered an advanced dive site, with depths ranging from 40 to 80 feet. Divers are advised to be aware of their depth limits and to monitor their air supply closely throughout the dive.

Communication Protocols

Divers are instructed to use standard hand signals for communication underwater. This ensures that divers can effectively communicate with each other and their guides, enhancing safety during the dive.

Emergency Procedures

Dive operators outline emergency procedures, including what to do in case of an equipment failure or if a diver becomes separated from the group. Knowing these protocols helps divers respond quickly and effectively in emergencies.

Environmental Awareness

Divers are reminded to respect the marine environment by following the principle of “take only pictures, leave only bubbles.” This encourages responsible diving practices that protect the wreck and its surrounding ecosystem.

Dive Shops That Prove Diving Trips to This Shipwreck

• Diver’s Den: Located in Panama City Beach, Diver’s Den offers diving trips to the Black Bart and has received positive reviews from divers who have experienced the site. They provide guided dives and equipment rentals for a complete diving experience .
• Panama City Diving: This dive shop specializes in various diving excursions, including trips to the Black Bart wreck. They offer guided dives and have experienced staff to ensure safety and enjoyment .
• ScubaTech: Another dive shop in the Panama City area, ScubaTech organizes diving trips to the Black Bart and provides all necessary gear and training for divers of all skill levels .
• Emerald Coast Scuba: This shop offers a range of diving services, including trips to the Black Bart. They focus on providing a safe and enjoyable diving experience for all divers .

North Florida Wrecks

• USS Oriskany
• USS Massachusetts
• SS Tarpon
• SS Gulf America
• Empire Mica
• USS Chippewa
• Avocet
• Black Bart
• The Vamar
• San Pablo
• USS Narcissus
• The Loftus Wreck
• The Dorothy Louise
• The Mizpah
• MV Janet
• The Eidsvag
• YDT-14 and YDT-15
• USS Strength
• Miss Louise
• The Lulu
• PC-1174
• Three Coal Barges
• USS Accokeek (ATA-181)
• El Dorado
• The Grey Ghost
• The Pete Tide II
• Red Sea Tug