Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Logbook

In the mid-19th century, cities grew from goods carried across the ocean on massive ships. Piers were developed out of necessity, allowing vessels to dock closer to shore to load and unload travelers, cargo, and livestock. Today, many piers remain along California’s coastline. Locally three piers can be found in Santa Barbara County, the most famous of which is Stearns Wharf. 

A well-known Santa Barbara landmark, the iconic Stearns Wharf was the original home of Cal Dive, a renowned commercial diving company known for pioneering the “gas-switching routine,” which allowed divers to remain on the seafloor for longer periods. Cal Dive was founded in 1965 by Bill Bossert, Bob Ratcliffe, Kevin Lengyel, Gene Handleman, Bev Morgan, and Lad Handleman. The company’s history on Stearns Wharf is closely linked to the development of the oil industry. With Santa Barbara experiencing an oil boom in the 1960s, Stearns Wharf became a crucial hub for work boats servicing oil rigs, making it the perfect location for Cal Dive to establish its operations.

For the divers at Stearns Wharf, the job wasn’t always just about work. Occasionally, they would entertain themselves and visitors by wearing heavy gear and walking along the seabed before slowly surfacing, creating an eerie and amusing spectacle. This playful side added a unique charm to the otherwise serious work performed.

Over time, the infrastructure and purpose of Stearns Wharf evolved, reflecting broader changes in the oil industry and the region. Each iteration brought new changes, ultimately leading to the relocation of Cal Dive’s offices away from the wharf. While the offices may be gone, the significance of the pier remains, as it now provides an experience connected to tourism and leisure activities. Whether strolling along the wooden planks or viewing the sea below, piers offer a dramatic view of the ocean or the shore (depending on the point of view) that often lives on in memory. Piers are now places to watch boats, seabirds, sunrises, and sunsets; as well as sea life clinging to pier pilings or waves stretching out to the horizon. Today, piers are an integral part of beach town culture, remaining a focal point for surfers, fishermen, and sightseers in search of the perfect California beach experience.

“Humans have always interacted with the ocean. From sailing to diving, we want to explore the water in ways that excite us,” said SBMM Curator Emily Falke. “Whether strolling along the wooden planks or viewing the sea below, piers offer a dramatic view of the ocean or the shore. Piers allow us to see beyond the land, and even ourselves, as we search for the perfect California beach experience.” 

Majestic California Piers (on view at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum from September 5, 2024 to January 19, 2024) features 31 photographs showcasing iconic piers throughout California. The piers are seen through the lenses of acclaimed photographers Bill Dewey and Dan Merkel whose breathtaking aerial views and intimate details provide unique vantage points of these coastal landmarks.

“Through unique perspectives and stunning imagery, Dewey and Merkel capture the beauty and significance of California’s piers, offering SBMM visitors a truly immersive visual experience,” said SBMM Executive Director Greg Gorga. “Their works not only celebrate these architectural marvels but invite us to reflect on California’s history and its deep connection with the sea.”

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information about visiting the museum, please visit sbmm.org or call (805) 962-8404.