South Carolina River Diving - Since the 1970's the Rivers of South Carolina have become famous for the abundance of fossils and artifacts that may be found. Divers travel for all over the US to dive our local rivers. If you are interested in river diving please contact the International Diving Institute Dive Shop for additional information and joining a diving excursion into the historical waters surrounding the Low Country.
The SC Underwater Antiquities Act of 1991 intends to preserve and encourage the scientific and recreational values inherent in submerged archeological historic properties and paleontological properties for the benefit of the people of the state of SC. the summary of the legislation is available at http://www.cas.sc.edu/sciaa/mrd/scuaa_leg.html. Divers desiring to collect artifacts or fossils from South Carolina waters must be licensed by the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology which issues Hobby Diver Licenses to sport divers. A Hobby Diver License allows temporary, intermittent, recreational, small scale, noncommercial search of submerged archeological resources and recovery of a limited number of artifacts. License fees start at $5 for SC residents to $10 for non-residents. The International Diving Institute Dive Shop will be glad to assist you in procedures for obtaining a Hobby License.
The state of SC has established maritime heritage trails for the enjoyment of both divers and non-divers. TheCooper River Underwater Heritage Trail is 2 miles long and includes ferry landings, docks, and 6 shipwrecks dating back as for as the early 1700's.
The Ashley River Paddling Heritage Trail is six miles long and includes several shipwrecks and docks dating to colonial times.
The Ashley River Paddling Heritage Trail is six miles long and includes several shipwrecks and docks dating to colonial times.