Golden DawnPort Moresby, Alotau

MV Golden Dawn with skipper and owner Craig DeWit is one of the longest established liveaboard vessels in PNG. The 24m (70 ft) yacht is one of the few remaining smaller dive vessels and appeals to divers who prefer to be on a boat with only a few more other divers. Only 10 divers are on board this luxury yacht.

The Golden Dawn is constructed from the finest tropical timbers by the famous Australian Halvorsen Shipyard. Beautifully crafted tropical timbers are a main feature throughout the interior of the boat. The large main saloon has video and slide presentation facilities, an extensive marine library and comfortable sofas and lounge chairs. The galley is a constant source of fresh and tasty foods. Complimentary Australian wines are served with dinner.

The sundeck upstairs has comfortable deck chairs and you can choose between shady and sunny spots. At night this area doubles for alfresco dining. The wheel house features state of the art navigation and communication technology. A set of hydraulic and mechanical stabilizers create utmost stability even in rough seas.

There are 5 double cabins, three of which have private shower and toilet. All cabins are very nicely appointed. All have individual split system airconditioning. The cabins below deck do have an additional fresh air ventilation system.

Cabin #1: On the lower deck and has a big double bed and a single bunk above. It has two port holes, a wardrobe and storage under the beds, a vanity basin and a separate shower and toilet.

Cabin #2: On the lower deck and has two single side by side beds, two port holes, a vanity basin, a large wardrobe and storage underneath the beds. It has direct access via sliding door to the bathroom shower which is shared with cabin 3.

Cabin #3: On the lower deck and is the smallest of the cabins and has upper and lower single beds. It also has a vanity basin and a wardrobe. It shares one toilet/shower with cabin 2.

Cabins #4 and #5: Both located on the main deck, these are the nicest cabins, each with shower and toilet. The bedding can be set as double or separate twin beds. Each cabin has a large window.

Eastern Fields: This pristine Coral Sea atoll is still one of PNG's best kept secrets. Located 70 nautical miles South of Port Moresby it features all aspects of remote wilderness diving - Clear water, unmatched variety of schooling fish, endless walls, giant soft corals, rare nudibranchs. Eastern Fields is usually visited in late March to May and October through to January.

Milne Bay/Louisiades: Milne Bay, is still the pioneering region for diving in PNG since Bob Halstead "invented" liveaboard diving in PNG in the early 80s. Some of PNG's most famous dive sites are found here as well as some lesser known reefs in the southern Milne Bay like the Manta Cleaning Station. Milne Bay offers very sheltered diving and is an all year destination. The Louisiades is the newest and most remote destination (via Misima). PNG is still very untouched and there is no word to describe the remoteness of those pristine reefs. This is real adventure and exploration diving.

Golden Dawn doesn't offer pre-set itineraries. Cruises are generally 10 to 14 nights long, to give you a good amount of first class diving, which also makes the long journey to PNG worth while. Every day is planned bearing in mind the wishes of clients and the available choices of dive sites, tides and weather conditions. Most of the long-distance cruising takes place at night, allowing for more dive time during the day.

On a typical day you would get up around 7.30am, have a "cuppa" and cereal, then go for an early morning dive. When you come back up, you will have worked up a little appetite and the cooked breakfast that is awaiting you will be very welcome. If the boat stays at a certain reef for a while, the open dive deck allows you to plan your dives at your choice. Should the boat relocate, there would be a second dive before lunch and then one or two dives in the afternoon at a new location. Dinner will be scheduled either before or after the night dive. Please note that there is usually no diving planned on arrival and departure days.

The dive platform at the stern of the boat is a bit small, but has enough space for the guests to prepare for their dives. The diving is done most of the times from one of the two large inflatable Zodiac dive tenders or directly from the sides of the Golden Dawn.

The tanks get filled here straight after the dive. Divers can choose between air and Nitrox fills (for an extra charge). Craig is a qualified Nitrox and Rebreather instructor. Courses can be arranged on request. Introductory rebreather experiences can be organised. For qualified rebreather divers, Draeger and Kiss Rebreather units are available for hire.

The Golden Dawn is probably one of the best boats for underwater photographers and videographers. Craig's knowledge of his reefs and his experience with photography will be a big benefit for any aspiring photographer. A CD Burner (for digital cameras) is on board. Extra camera tables near the dive deck offer the space needed to look after the fragile equipment.

Registered: Papua New Guinea
Launched: Australia 1978
Overall Length: 80 Feet (24m)
Beam: 22 Feet (6.6 m)
Fuel Capacity: 9000 Litre
Water Capacity: 7500 Litre Desalinator
Cruising Speed: 10 Knots
Navigation Equipment: VHF, HF, SSB radar, autopilot, GPS, satellite telephone
Stabilisers: Dynamic and passive stabiliser
Compressor: 2 x 7,5cuft. Bauer compressors Nitrox filling station
Air Conditioning: Independent units in each cabin, fresh air ventilation
Entertainment: TV, Video Recorder (NTSC & PAL), Stereo
Accommodation: 5 double/twin cabins
Sanitary Installation: 4 bathrooms, 2 deck showers for guests.Crew has separate facilities.
Electricity: 110V and 220V power points in each cabin

The Golden Dawn is a unique liveaboard with a very high standard. Especially those who are interested in Rebreather diving cannot walk past her!