Accessing the engine room of the SS President Coolidge is one of the most straightforward dive routes on the wreck.
This is largely due to salvage operations in 1976–1977 by Ian Lockley, who aimed to recover major machinery including condensers, electric motors, and generators. In the end, only the starboard condenser and some smaller equipment were removed, with remnants still visible beside the entry.
During this process, much of the ducting, cables, and catwalks were cleared, creating a large open space. A significant section of the starboard hull was also removed—effectively opening up the entire engine room and providing a wide, easy entry point.
Located directly beneath the midship mooring line, divers can descend straight down and enter the wreck with minimal navigation.
As you enter the engine room, one of the first structures you’ll notice directly below is a large cylindrical unit—the port condenser. On steamships like the Coolidge, condensers played a vital role by converting exhaust steam back into water. This process improved engine efficiency and allowed water to be reused in the boilers.
Looking toward the stern, you’ll see another prominent circular structure with visible openings—this is the electric motor. These motors converted energy generated by steam-driven turbines into mechanical power to drive the ship’s propellers.
For divers with the appropriate experience and qualifications, it’s possible descend even deeper below the condenser to about 46m where a small hatch leads to the Engine Control room.
