We are very proud of our unique vessel.

  Construction of Amelia's initial lift boat began in January 1999 in Palatka, FL, on the St.  Johns River [Keith Marine]. Long research indicated that refinement of lift boat technologies could be applied to shallow water shipwreck salvage.  The Polly-L was launched in the April 2000. Sea trials took place in June 2000 to test both the Polly-L's systems and an experimental excavator designed by MacTaggart, Scott & Co. of Scotland.  After the month-long trial, the Polly-L was taken to Green Cove Springs where she was retrofitted with pontoons on each side for additional lateral stability and lifting capacity. Using the sea trial excavator experience, Amelia also built our own, unique, twin-thruster excavator system designed by Doug Pope. See how the excavator was constructed in the new          POLLY-L TECHNICAL TOUR

 Since becoming fully operational in late 2000, the Polly L's performance  has exceeded all expectations.  She has been on-site more than 600 days since being launched, unheard of in this industry.  Traditionally salvage vessels operate only May thru September. Our lift boat can remain on site for seven weeks without refueling while safely jacked-up in weather that sends traditional vessels to safe harbor. Watching summer thunderstorms and winter nor'easters blow by with fifty or sixty knot winds are not an uncommon for us. We do seek safety for impending hurricanes, however. Because we stay continuously  on-site with no daily commuting to and from the site, we add valuable recovery time in areas such as the Marquesas, Rosario/Sandy Point, and even the south end of Amelia Island that are hours travel time away from port. See a portfolio of other treasure vessels in the POLLY-L TECHNICAL TOUR

 As it is jacked-up above the ocean swells the platform provides stable, comfortable accommodations for the ship's crew, archaeological consultants, and visitors. Because we spend the night on-site, dive teams can begin operations at sunrise and continue until sundown, working in rotating shifts. A good night of rest and relaxation is assured with the fully-equipped galley and staterooms. There is a small, but growing, ship's library of treasure salvage books, pleasure reading material, and over 500 DVD's for entertainment. 

  The Polly-L's onboard systems set a new standard for the industry.  On the bow a ten-ton crane, with position monitored by a WAAS/GPS system, has more than adequate lifting capacity for moving heavy or deeply buried objects.  We can deploy the excavator, run a dredge through a sluice box, and operate a 10-inch airlift separately or in concert.  Extensive use of hydraulics results in huge savings in fuel consumption.  The Polly-L normally burns less than 60 gallons of fuel in a 24-hour day while working, compared to the voracious 50 to 80 gallons an hour appetite of conventional salvage vessels. See how our finds are handled. Follow the "Artifact Chain of Evidence" under reporting procedures the Technical Tour.

FOR MORE TECHNICAL INSIGHT FOLLOW THE NEW POLLY-L TECHNICAL TOUR