Policies & procedures for Great Lakes shipwrecks and charters with Aqua Hut


All divers attending our charters should understand that diving in the Great Lakes can be completely different than diving our local quarries or other dive trips. Divers should be aware of the following information before committing to our charters:

1. Divers could encounter boat traffic, large bulk freighter traffic, strong currents, low visibility and choppy or rough conditions.

2. Temperatures could range from 70 degrees to below 45 degrees depending on depth, conditions, currents and location.

3. All divers should be comfortable diving with a thick wetsuit or dry suit and have proper gear that can handle cold water diving.

4. Divers attending our charters will have a minimum of 25-50 logged dives, advanced open water diver certification, or are completing their SSI Deep Diver certification on the charter.

5. All Port Sanilac shipwrecks will be between the depths of 60-118ft maximum.

6. Shipwreck penetration will only be done by properly trained/experienced divers and will be done at their own risk.

7. Divers will obey all the rules, regulations and policies of the dive charter boats and their captains.

8. Harbor Beach shipwreck trips have a minimum certification requirement of SSI Extended Range or TDI Decompression Procedures. Shipwrecks are at a depth of 100-200ft. Shipwrecks will be chosen based on the divers experience on the charters.

9. Divers will not exceed their no decompression limits (NDL) and will not do any decompression unless properly trained/certified to do so.

10. All divers will be responsible for getting to and from the diver charter location and will need to ensure they are there in a timely manner with all their dive gear needed for the trip.

11. Rental gear, wetsuits and tanks will be offered if needed for an additional charge. Please see Aqua Hut staff for assistance.

12. Cost for the charter is due at the time of booking. Refunds will be given for inclement weather or boat mechanical failure. Trip leader will call all individuals on the trip in the event of cancellation at first notice.

13. Cancellations can be fully refunded up until 7 days until the charter. After 7 days the total amount is forfeited.

14. Failure to be at the dock at the specified time of departure will result in full forfeiture of payment for the charter.

15. Divers on our charters are expected to be self-sufficient. The buddy system does apply, however, at times on shipwrecks it is easy to find yourself checking out the ship at different locations from your buddy. Always be cognizant of your surroundings and avoid any potential issues or areas outside of your experience.

If you have any questions, concerns or need more information please ask your dive leader. They will be happy to assist you with your needs to ensure that everyone has a safe and fun experience.