The research vessel was built in 1982 as the Maitre-Plongeur by Entreprises sous-marines de Noyan. The hull of the vessel is steel and measures 12.5 meters in length with a breadth of 4.3 meters. The displacement of the boat is 21 tons. Its motor is a 135 HP Evinrude. In 1987 the Maitre-Plongeur was renamed the John Molson II by a direct descendant of John Molson.
During the many diving campaigns the CHASQ modified the John Molson II to meet its requirements. A crane was added and the diving platform was improved. The interior space was redesigned to house a drafting table. The boat was repainted at the beginning of each year and the names of the various sponsors for the year's dive were added to the side of the vessel.
The John Molson II is not a cruising or luxury liner. It is by far too slow at only 8 knots maximum speed, with a good current. It is a working platform for underwater archeologists.