Wreck diving Grand Cayman - USS Kittiwak

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

The following is an overview of the dive,  some history and information regarding the ship and an overview of what one can find on the shipwreck.  Review the complete [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/ photo gallery]  on the website and/or 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 supplementary data on the shipwreck and a history about the ship.

The Dive:

The ship was  reefed In january 2011 off the west side of the island at the 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]. Externally, the crow's nest, mast and large stern a-frame have been cut down and remounted to make her height suitable for Cayman waters. The are two bridges on the upper decks along with the radio and navigation room. The has also been removed from the ship. The Captain and executive officer's quarters are also on the upper decks.

On the main deck, from bow to stern, internally you will find the rec room, mess hall, ironing room, small tool workshop and recompression chambers.. 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, along with the diving bell where divers would enter to return to the ship from the ocean and then be placed in the chambers for decompression.

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, as well as ammunition lockers, cold storage, barber shop and other areas. While the USS Kittiwake has been opened up with large[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 when the boat was in service.

Make sure to chart your dive adequately. One approach would be to begin at the stern before entry into the vessel to get photographs near the[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000MlfKl.47lgI  "USS Kittiwake" logo] on the stern and in addition get photographs by the propeller.  For Scuba Divers that plan on entering the shipwreck, after you leave the stern make your way to the top of the ship then enter via the funnel which is on on the Top Deck.  If you do not intend on entering the shipwreck you may begin your investigation of the ship on the deck just above the Screw..

The main [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000ndu7PcxF.bM entry through the funnel can be a great location for underwater photography] .  try silhouetting your dive partner in the shaft  diving down into the shipwreck.  You can exit into the ship on several of the decks including the first platform or in the cargo hold.  The cargo hold should only be entered by experienced advanced divers.  On the first platform you can see the Engineering emblem in the Motor Room section.  This area is easily accessible and can be the subject of  a very good underwater photograph close to the "[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Y0UeUwX5JJc Engineering Mural]".  The silt may be heavy in this location so you must move gradually to prevent stirring up the sediment.  For advanced wreck divers you can also explore shaft alley as well as the front hold sections of the ship.  For others you may check out the various areas on the first platform and after that begin making your way up one deck at a time until finally coming to 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.

Check out 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 evaluations of specific wrecks.