Diversion Dive Travel - Products | Liveaboards | PNG

MV Golden Dawn with Skipper and owner Craig DeWit is one of the few dive vessels of excellence which in todays tough competition enjoys the luxury of an individual style, ownership and personal service. She works in close association with another fine dive boat, the TELITA

"The Dawn" has managed to capture the imagination and support of many different divers from all over the world who came to Papua New Guinea in search of excellent diving, but have found far more - personalised service which includes not only the service on board but actively tries to satisfy your needs and wishes in the water as well. There are no more than 10 divers on board. The Golden Dawn is our first recommendation in PNG.

Prices

2010

As with everything in nature, dive sites do have seasons. Golden Dawn travels to different regions around PNG, following a schedule which is determined by the best diving conditions found in the respective destinations.

Golden Dawn Saloon The Golden Dawn is a 80 foot luxury motor yacht 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 yacht.

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 stabilisers create utmost stability even in rough seas.

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

Golden Dawn Cabin 5 Accommodation

There are 5 passenger cabins on board, three of which have private ensuite bath and WC. All cabins are very nicely appointed.

Cabin #1: On the lower deck and has a big double bed and a single bed over the double. It has two port holes, a small bunk, 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: The newly renovated ensuite cabins on the main deck. The bedding can be set as double or separate twin beds. The cabin has large windows.

Golden Dawn Cabin 3 Golden Dawn cabin 1

All cabins have individual split system air conditions. The cabins below decks do have an additional fresh air ventilation system.

Itinerary

There is very little routine on Golden Dawn excursions. Normally cruises would go for 10 or 14 nights, to give you a good amount of first class diving which makes the long journey to PNG worth while. Every day is planned bearing in mind the wishes of clients and the available choice of dive sites, bearing in mind 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 7.30 am, 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 to your choice. Should the boat relocate there would be a second dive before lunch and then one or two dives in the afternoon. 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 back of the boat gives plenty of room for the passengers to prepare for their dives. The tanks get filled here straight after the dive.
Craig DeWit is a qualified PADI Instructor. He is also an experienced NITROX

and Rebreather instructor. Courses can be arranged on request.
Divers can choose between air and Nitrox fills (for an extra charge) for their dives. Draeger and Kiss Rebreather units are available for hire. Introductory rebreather experiences can be organised.

The diving is done most of the times from one of the two large inflatable dive tenders or directly from the sides of the Golden Dawn. You exit the water back into the dive tenders or via the stable ladder directly back onto the main vessel.

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.