MV Chertan Liveaboard Review

Papua New Guinea (sometimes known as PNG) is well-known as offering world class diving and M.V. Chertan Liveaboard Dive Adventures. Their vessel, MV Chertan, is one of the premier boats operating the area. The operator of the MV Chertan, Rob van der Loos, has spent over 35 years diving the area and has a unique expertise in the local waters.

 

Located with Asia-Pacific’s famous ‘coral triangle’ region, Papua New Guinea is home to a vast, diverse assembly of marine life. There are barrier reefs, fringing reefs and World War II wrecks to be discovered. In total, the area offers 52,000 square kilometers of stunning blue waters.

Visibility is usually excellent; between 12-40m. Water temperatures are usually warm – ranging between 23c-30c. As well as the popular larger pelagic life, the region is legendary for amazing critters. If you’re a lover of nudibranchs, seahorses and pipefish of every shape, size and colour – this is the place for you!!

 

 

The MV Chertan was originally built in 1994 and was given a renovation during 2014 ensuring that she is compliant with latest standards. She is 20m in length and 6.2m in beam. Her more modest overall size gives her lucky guests a more intimate and personal voyage. Capable of cruising comfortably at 7 knots, she has a full compliment of safety equipment including but not limited to Radar, Depth Sounder, GPS, Radio VHF/DSC/SSB, E.P.I.R.B. Distress System and Emergency Rafts. There is first aid in place aboard and the crew are first aid trained.

You can check the availability and prices for this Boat here.

 

 

Cabins and Boat Layout

 

Being slightly more modest in overall size than some liveaboard safari vessels, the maximum number of guests is only 10.

 

 

There are 3 cabin options depending on budget and circumstance.

 

• Standard Base Cabin – this is a twin occupancy bunk cabin with air-conditioning and ensuite facilties.
• Middle Deluxe Cabin – also a twin occupancy bunk cabin, this cabin is slightly larger that the Standard Base Cabin with the same great facilities.
• Double Executive Cabin – for couples, this double plus single occupancy cabin is a great choice. Situated at the bow of the boadt and at approximately double the size of the previous cabin it has a very spacious atmosphere. In addition, it has individual air-conditioning.

 

Topside there are other nice touches and facilities. The dining area, serving an amalgam of local and western cuisine in a buffet style, also features a bar. After the diving is done, relax with a cold beer and chat with your fellow guests.

 

 

The lounge/salon area is also a place to relax and check your photos on the TV. The boat also has camera facilties; ample places to charge equipment and camera tables for budding photographers.

 

Chertan has a partially covered sun-deck where you have to option to lie and tan on surface intervals or, alternatively relax in the shade with a book.

 

 

Diving onboard MV Chertan

 

The diving is spectacular and the crew make every effort to assist logistically in achieving the dives you crave.

 

 

The dive deck is shaded an roomy. Nitrox is available for those suitably qualified. Rinse tanks and showers are there for divers and their toys. And, at the rear of the vessel, is a spacious dive platform for entry and exit.

 

 

In addition Chertan has dive tenders for diver drops and pick-ups where required.

 

 

Itineraries

 

There are various options for different safaris, depending on season and preference. Milne Bay/Muck Diving Trip, Exploratory Dive Safari and even – should you be a large group – a whole boat charter.

 

Expect to budget approximately EUR2,917 for the 11 day/7night voyage. This equates to EUR265/day. However, please note that this does not include some extras such as reef/marine park fees, alcohol and crew tips. Please contact us for further details.