Capt & Hermit,
Sorry for the delay in reply, I hadn't noticed any activity on this thread. OOPS!!!
In response to your questions, I took up diving in the mid 70's and became a N.A.U.I. instructor in 1978. At that time I also had gotten my 1st boat. Fishing has been in my blood since I was a kid. By 1985 I had gotten my Masters License to 300 metric tons with ocean routes.
As far as wreck diving, it was mostly off the New Jersey coast. There are quite a few WW II casualties due to the German U Boat activity. I have retrieved a babbitt ingot off of the "San Saba" which was torpedoed by a WW I German sub. I have also retrieved morphine ampules and 30 cal rounds from the "City of Athens" which was torpedoed in WW II. There are quite a few old wooden wrecks in the area but nothing I have been on has been a "treasure catagory" wreck. Off N.J., there are approx 450 treasure class wrecks that have not been discovered. A treasure catagory wreck is classified as having at least 1/2 million in valuable cargo AT THE TIME OF SINKING. There were quite a few losses of British ships around the Rev. War period that were returning to England carrying tax revenues. My diving activities kind of came to a stop when my dive buddy was killed in a car accident some years back. The club I was a member of disbanded, and for this type of diving, you have to know what you are doing as well as have a buddy that is equally adept. Beyond basic scuba certification, 1st off I would recommend getting a N.A.U.I. or P.A.D.I. certification, as the training is very good. Next, you will need to get an Open Water certification, and beyond that an Advanced Diver certification. If you are considering wreck diving, you need to know what you are doing, or you are taking a huge risk. Diving the Atlantic is NOT like the Carribean. Often you have visibility less than 8 feet, sometimes only 2 to 3. The wreck sites have become catch alls for nets, fish line, etc that you can very easily become tangled in. You have to know how to handle the situations without panic. Penetration of a hulk should only be attempted by the highly trained, and as a team effort for safety reasons. I woulsd suggest getting the certifications and then learn the ropes with seasoned veterans before attempting your own expeditions.