Annual Report 2003 by Marg Barker

Another year has passed for the members of SOS Ottawa and I think we should consider it even bigger and better than last year. We continued work on some projects, completed others and took on a few new ones from start to finish. Our list of accomplishments is long as we continue support and promote the vision of Save Ontario Shipwrecks.

With the support and direction of Marc-André Bernier, Senior Marine Archaeologist for Parks Canada we were fortunate enough to be able to run another Nautical Archaeology Level I course in May 2003 for 16 students. Marc and his team also held a course in Kingston for 15 students. Brian Prince and I attended to support the Open Water segment of the course for both events. Without the support of Parks Canada this year there would have been no Nautical Archaeology courses held in our area. Divers finish this course with knowledge that will enhance the way they see the wrecks and sites that they dive for the rest of their diving career.

Twisted Sisters Project: The Pentland and the F. A. Georger

As the Project Leader for this site survey, Nancy Binnie continued to work with volunteer divers from SOS Chapters across Ontario. Considering the size of this site and the limited access, we a fairly certain that this project will continue for the next several years. The data gathered and reported will ensure that the legacy of these two ships will not be lost.

In 2003, a project that has been very near and dear to my heart was completed. The land based Red Pine Bay plaque was officially unveiled on July 26, 2003. Last year permission in principle to place the plaque in the park at Braeside near Lac des Chat was granted. A great group of people including staff at the Township of McNab-Braeside and SOS Ottawa volunteers brought the project to a very successful conclusion.

SOS Ottawa continued its association in the Upper St. Lawrence Scuba Charter Association. This year, three markers were added to our list and all were placed in early spring, maintained over the summer and removed at the end of the season. Kevin Ripley, our Buoy Project Leader, continued with the responsibility of placing, regularly checking and reporting and removing the markers. I think we get an A+ for reporting the ongoing work and maintenance of the markers to Brian Prince for input into the Buoy Database on the SOS Corporate Web site. A special thanks goes out to Andy Fytche of Depth Charge Charters for all of his assistance in deploying and removing the markers in "his end" of the river this year.

We encourage all boaters using the SOS buoys to tie up to the provided floating thimble and not the down line. This will greatly increase the life of the ¾" mooring lines which are expensive to replace.

Our final project of the season was to repair the steps at the Rothesay site. For anyone who uses these steps, take a minute to appreciate the repair work done to make them safer and sturdier. Thanks again to Andy Fytche, Brian Prince, Shirley Mangione and Ted Timmons for work in getting this job done before the snow flies.

It has become a custom for SOS Thousand Islands and SOS Ottawa to wind up a busy summer with a picnic. This year the picnic was replaced by SCUBA in the Park on September 13, 2003. SOS Thousand Islands and SOS Ottawa used our refurbished display for the first time at this event. Reports are that this event was a resounding success and that it will be bigger and better next year. Our booth was well attended and some items were sold to support the SOS Thousand Islands projects.

As President of SOS Ottawa, I was asked to speak at a few functions over this year including two Rotary Club meetings (where dinner was included!) and at the RCMP Beavers Club. While public speaking is not my forte or a favorite pass time, it was an opportunity to let others know about the great people we have and the work that we do as members of SOS Ottawa.

It has been another rewarding year for me as SOS Ottawa President. It is my association with people who have a firm and deep-rooted belief in the work that we do that keeps me going. I would like to thank everyone involved for their support and would encourage others to participate in this extremely worthwhile organization to "Preserve our Marine Heritage".