ChertanAlotau

MV Chertan started operation as a liveaboard dive boat in Milne Bay in 1992. Milne Bay has an excellent reputation for world class dive spots on wrecks and reefs. This is Chertan's home turf. Rob Vanderloos calls this place home (for more than 25 years) and is one of the most knowledgable dive boat skippers in this region.

MV Chertan is furnished with elegant tropical timber and offers comfortable cabins and surroundings with plenty space for the guests and their equipment. With state of the art navigation and communication aids it is perfectly suited for its purpose.

Chertan takes a maximum of 10 guests on board. It has 5 twin-berth cabins. The cabins have no ensuite bathrooms. There are 2 bathrooms and 2 showers for everyone to share and they are located on the main deck.

Itineraries are flexible and will be adjusted ad hoc to provide for the special interest of the guests and the prevailing conditions at the time. 3-5 dives are offered daily. Scheduled dates throughout the year offer 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 night excursions. All extended trips start and end in Alotau (name of the airport is Gurney). Special interest charters can be arranged on request. The owner and skipper Rob Vanderloos operates this boat for more than 25 years and knows the area very well. Diving is mostly conducted directly from the Chertan.

Apart from the better known dive places in Milne Bay as described in popular dive guides, Rob Vanderloos steers Chertan to remote and unexplored parts of Milne Bay as well. Like with most cruises in Milne Bay, you should expect a mix of reef diving, "Muck" diving, wrecks and wall dives. Milne Bay offers excellent diving on reefs and wrecks. Scattered coral, reefs and sea grass beds grow right up to the shoreline and are home to some of the best small creature diving we have ever done.

We've encountered unusual critters like ghost pipefish, panda clownfish and mantis shrimps. Milne Bay is mostly known for "critters diving" which is really excellent. However, pelagics are seen here as well. Milne Bay offers fantastic diving all year round. Best time to visit is very likely May-June and September-November. However, the weather is unpredictable, but Milne Bay has no rainy season as such. It can rain at any time.

Chertan is not one of the top modern luxurious boats, but has everything a dedicated diver needs. The main reason for an excursion with Chertan should be the expertise of the owner in the Milne Bay region. Especially macro photographers will enjoy excursions with the Chertan and appreciate Rob's knowledge in macro photography. That is Chertan's special reputation.