MV Golden Dawn

Diving
Because of the diversity of dive locations, the GOLDEN DAWN has two rigid hull inflatables. One 18ft / 6mtr zodiac pro that is powered by a 70 HP outboard, one 14ft / 4.5mtr inflatable powered by a 15hp outboard.
This allows us to anchor GOLDEN DAWN in a suitable anchorage and gives us the ability to move ten divers around with great ease. This flexibility allows one tender to return divers to the comfort of the GOLDEN DAWN, while the other stays on station on the dive site awaiting the divers who generally have longer dives.

Often one of the smaller tenders is dedicated to carrying just cameras to avoid unwanted knocks from clumsy divers. When the dive site and conditions allow, the diving is done from the GOLDEN DAWN with the divers either returning to the GOLDEN DAWN or being picked up by one of the dive tenders. Night dives are also offered.

While there is now a DAN recognized recompression chamber in PNG, you should take particular care with deep or long dives. GOLDEN DAWN does carry large quantities of medical oxygen on board but its preferred  use is for making nitrox and not for treatment for the bends.

All divers are encouraged to use correct multilevel skills: start with the deepest part of your dive and finish with a Safety stop after every dive. Craig will give full dive briefings on any dive requiring one and he or the other trained dive staff will be happy to assist with advice or suggestions concerning a dive or even guide you on the dive. However divers will be free to plan and conduct their own dives. Please remember to bring your certification card with you. All divers must be certified in order to dive. You may be requested to present the said card before being allowed to dive.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS All passengers must be formally certified. There are two good reasons for this: first, these trips offer such excellent diving that the time involved in learning basics is wasted. The first several hours of Scuba Diving really demand all of your attention to become familiar with the skills and the equipment being used. Second; many of the dive sites and conditions we experience are of an advanced nature. The M.V Golden Dawn is a recognised IANTD training facility (the first in Papua New Guinea). A variety of courses are offered in the use of NITROX and REBREATHERS to divers who are already certified (open water diver minimum), and would like to experience the advantages of diving on NITROX and /or the silence of REBREATHERS. These courses generally don't impede on one's diving or free time.

Photography
Photography is the most popular underwater objective of divers taking trips aboard the MV Golden Dawn. After all, PNG is known for having some of the most photogenic waters of the world.

Experienced photographers will find reefs, fish life and visibility absolutely excellent for both stills, video and movies. Bring all the film, tapes, batteries etc. with you, as such supplies are usually not available, or very expensive.

REGISTRATION OF CAMERAS AND OTHER FOREIGN-MADE EQUIPMENT
If you have any foreign-made equipment, such as cameras, binoculars, tape-recorders, transistor radios, etc. We strongly recommend registering them with the U.S. Customs Service (or that of your home country) before departing. This can be done by visiting the Customs Office in person, or perhaps more conveniently, at the Gateway City as you depart. Present whatever you want to register to the Customs officials who will record the serial number and validation form which you should keep with your passport. This serves as proof that the article was not purchased abroad; otherwise you may have to pay duty upon returning to the US/ Europe etc.

Water Temperature
Papua New Guinea is situated in tropical latitudes, but the water temperatures can vary depending on the location and the season.
The waters around Port Moresby and Eastern Fields are noticeably cooler than other areas due to current streams circulating up from southern latitudes. Temperatures can range between 74-87 deg F (24-28 deg C).

A full wet suit with a minimum of 1/4 inch or 3mm is recommended, as well as a dive skin plus hood.

Therefore you can dive and photograph until your hearts content without being chilled by days end.

The waters in Madang, Wewak area and the Bismark Sea tend to be warmer and dive skins and Lycra suits can be used on a lot of dives, but it is still prudent to bring that wet suit.

Specifications
Vessel Name: Golden Dawn
Vessel Type: Charter Vessel
Registered: Papua New Guinea , owned and operated by Dolphin Enterprises
Tonnage: 80
Launch Date: 1978
Builders:Lars Halverson & Sons Pty Ltd.
Construction: Carvel planked, splined on Australian hardwoods
Survey Status: Papua New Guinea Coastal Endorsed to carry 70 day passengers and 12 overnight passengers
Crew: 7
Length Overall: 80FT (24m)
Beam: 22ft (6.6m)
Draft: 6.5ft (2m)
Cruise: 10Kts@400 RPM
Propulsion: Twin screws
Engines: 2 x Scania DSI 11R 82's 6 Cylinder, Turbo Charged Intercooled, 280 HP @1800 RPM, 70 L/Hr
Auxillary: 2 x 415v 3 Phase 55KVA and 24KVA
Fuel Capacity: 9000 Litres and Reverse
Water Capacity : 4,500 Litres Osmosis FW maker
Berths: 18 total, 1 x 4 (crew), 1 x 2(crew), 5 x 2 (passenger), 1 x 2 (master), 6 bathrooms (2 for crew)
Navigation Equipment: Radar, Autopilot, GPS, Depth Sounder, VHF, HF SSB,
Galley Facilities: Cooking facilities to accommodate full compliment and seating for 12 passengers.
Miscellaneous: Fully Air Conditioned Cabins, some with ensuites. TV. &VCR. (NTSC &PAL) 110v charging, 1 x 18' rigid hull inflatable with 70 HP outboard and 1 x 14' rigid hull inflatable with 15 HP outboard, 15 CFM Ingersol Rand Compressor, & emergency compressor. NAIAD stabiisers & Sat Telephone plus Fax and E-mail, 5 rebreathers for hire