Scuba Diving Grand Cayman - USS Kittiwake

This is the top wreck dive in Grand Cayman and one of the top ten in the Caribbean. The USS Kittiwake which was sunk a about 18 months ago and the dive site is aging very well.  The shipwreck has five decks, is 251.6 ft (76.7 m) in length, 42ft (12.8 m) in beam and approximately 50 feet high.  The vessel was designated for performing submarine rescues and was launched on July 10, 1945 and she was reefed in Grand Cayman on  January 5, 2011.

This article provides a description of the dive, some history and other information regarding the shipwreck and an overview of what one can find on the wreck.  Review the complete [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/ photo gallery]  on the web site and see the blog article for the [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/dive-site-reviews-and-listings/dive-sites/scuba-diving-grand-cayman-uss-kittiwake-shipwreck/  USS Kittiwake] for more data on the shipwreck plus a history of the ship.

The vessel was  reefed In january 2011 off the north end of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman.

There are 5 decks on the 47 foot tall [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Wcb0w0RopvI USS Kittiwake]. To meet caymanian requirements for wrecks, a portion of the upper mast was removed. The upper decks accommodate the 2 bridges (both an external and internal bridge to allow operations in heavy seas) along with the navigation and radio rooms. The sonar has been removed from the ship. The Captain and XO's quarters are also on the upper decks.

On the main deck, from bow to stern, internally you will find a number of different rooms or work areas including the recompresson chambers, the rec room and toolshop. You will note the large [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000nrOSPnFJRtU a-frame structure] on the stern that rescue divers, as well as the diving bell that was used to bring back divers to the ship and then to the recompression chambers

Below the main deck, 2 decks exist that include the crews quarter, medic/hospital station, engine and propulsion rooms,[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000QmV9jUuDJyQ  air bank storage] and compressors, in addition to ammunition lockers, cold storage, barber shop and other areas. While there are now a number of  big[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000evHtkg3GaYQ  access holes] both vertically and horizontally, all of the space on the vessel was used while in service.

It is important to chart your dive well. One approach would be to begin at the stern before entry into the vessel to get photographs around the[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000MlfKl.47lgI  "USS Kittiwake" logo] on the the backof the ship and in addition get photos by the screw (propeller) and rudder.  For Scuba Divers that intend on penetrating the wreck, you can then make your way to the top of the ship and enter via the funnel that is located on the Bridge Deck.  Should you not intend on entering the wreck you should begin your exploration on the deck just above the Screw..

The main [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000ndu7PcxF.bM funnel entry can be a great location for underwater photography] and I would suggest taking the photo looking up from the bottom of the funnel to the top of the funnel.  I would suggest silhouetting one of your dive buddies diving down into the shipwreck.  You can then exit the shaft on the first platform or in the cargo hold.  Note the hold deck does not have any exterior exit points and is not recommended for divers that do not have an advanced certification and prior wreck experience.  On the first platform you can see the Engineering emblem in the Motor Room section.  This section can be accessed easily and makes for a very good underwater photograph near the "[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Y0UeUwX5JJc Engineering Mural]".  The silt can be heavy at this point so you should move slowly to avoid clouding up the water.  For advanced divers you should also check out shaft alley and the front hold sections of the shipwreck.  For other divers you can explore the assorted compartments on the first platform and after that begin making your way up deck by deck and then finally arriving at the Bridge (Pilot House) where you can do you safety stop as it is at about 5 to 6 meters or 15 to 18 feet.

Review photos of additional [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Shipwrecks/G0000OtMyTETA74I/ shipwrecks] on  http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com or visit  his [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/dive-site-reviews-and-listings/dive-sites/scuba-diving-grand-cayman-uss-kittiwake-shipwreck/ blog] for critiques of specific wrecks.