The SM-1 was originally as a U.S. Navy Medium Landing Ship (LSM-251) near the end of World War II. It was originally 204’ ft long and was driven by twin diesels. At the end of the war it was sold to Western Oil and Refining Co. It was renamed the Humble SM-1 in 1958 and made into an oil drilling barge with several modifications. The SM-1 worked offshore between Ventura and Point Conception. She now was a barge and towed to the drilling sites. In 1962 there was a big squall, creating large seas. The large seas caused the SM-1 to drag anchor (6 of them were used) and eventually she capsized, sinking in 75’ of water. She was then salvaged and is now a great dive site. The SM-1 now lies upside down about 2-3 miles offshore between Gavotia and Coho Anchorage. The SM-1 is an advanced dive and can be penetrated, but only by divers with proper training. The SM-1 has kelp and schools of fish along with some great wreckage to look at. You MUST be careful diving the SM-1 as there is lots of jagged metal and other hazards such as current and the lure of seeing what is inside. There are plenty of holes to see inside and there is a large debris field on the starboard side. The SM-1 can be great for pictures and just plain sightseeing with visibility being 10’-50’ and an average of 20’ ft. CIDA does special trips once a year aboard the Peace out of Ventura Harbor, Ventura, Ca.
