Empire Gem

North Carolina, United States

Depth

40m

Visibility

5m - 15m

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Experienced

Empire Gem

North Carolina, United States

Depth

40m

Visibility

5m - 15m

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Experienced

About Empire Gem

The visibility at this site is usually around 25 feet or less. The stern section is separated from the rest of the ship. Although the bow is intact it is upside down so the stern is a better dive. The visibility is also very low at the bow. The stern points towards the two forward sections of the ship and is mostly upright on its keel, lying slightly on its starboard side. The rudder and the four bladed prop sections are intact and can be found on the port side. The highest relief on this wreck is provided by the engine, port boilers and fantail. One can sometimes see (and can always smell!) the oil slick on the water from oil that still escapes from the bow section.

Empire Gem Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Wreck, Deep

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

40m

Visibility Range

5m – 15m

Experience Level

Experienced

Best Gas Mix

21% – 28%

O₂

CNS Load (20 min)

13% at 38m / 29%

O₂

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Marine Life

African Pompano
Amberjacks
Black Sea Bass
Oyster Toadfish
Tautog

Weather Conditions

Water temperature (℃)

Dive Operators near Empire Gem

Olympus Dive Center
118.06km

View all operators in United States

Location

Dive Site Hazards

Deceptive Entry Openings — Openings may become restrictive inside due to angle, collapse, or corrosion.
Surge-Induced Internal Silt Shift — Internal surge can move silt and debris without direct contact.
Partial Overhead Environment — Many wrecks limit direct ascent even without full penetration.

Fine Rust Particle Silt-Out — Disturbed rust particles can rapidly reduce visibility.

Gradual Narcosis Onset — Narcosis may develop slowly, making self-assessment unreliable.

Task Fixation at Depth — Cognitive narrowing at depth can reduce awareness of time and ascent rate.

Increased Gas Density Breathing Load — Higher gas density at depth increases work of breathing.

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