The Vermont Underwater Historic Preserve is operated by the Vermont Division of Historic Preservation and managed by Lake Champlain Maritime Museum on their behalf.

The Lake Champlain Underwater Historic Preserve provides public access for divers to some of the Lake’s historic shipwrecks. The system is designed to protect these irreplaceable historic resources both from anchor damage and artifact collecting. With the continued cooperation of the recreational diving community these wrecks will be available for generations of divers to enjoy.

PRESERVE STATUS

– Champlain II: Open

– Coal Barge: Open

– Diamond Island “Stone Boat”: Open

– General Butler: Open

– Horse Ferry: Open

– OJ Walker: Open

– Phoenix: Open

– Sloop Island Canal Boat: Open

– Tugboat U.S. La Vallee: Open

– Water Witch: Open

Lake Champlain’s Historic Preserve system works and succeeds only with your cooperation. The protection of historic shipwrecks and safety of other divers is your responsibility.

Divers who witness violations of the preserve diving guidelines are asked to voluntarily report them to the Vermont State Police Marine Division (802) 655-3435 and the New York State Police (518) 962-8235.

Access to the sites in the Lake Champlain Underwater Historic Preserve is free of charge, but divers must register annually prior to using the Preserve System. Use the button below to register.

Note: Divers are no longer required to register for sensitive shipwreck sites; one annual registration is adequate.

Diving during COVID-19

Our team strongly recommends divers check out the helpful guidance on diving in a COVID-19 world from Divers Alert Network (DAN): https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/covid-19/