Sunday 30th November | Canberra & J4 Double Wreck Dive
Canberra & J4 Double Wreck Dive (30m depth) - Sunday 30th November
Meet at 10.30am for 1.05pm departure Portsea Pier
ex HMAS Canberra
Wreck Dive | 
Boat access
Diving the ex HMAS Canberra FFG 02 Artificial Reef
Depth: 5 m (16 ft) to 32 m (105 ft)
Level: Open Water and beyond.
Channel 7 News report on the scutting of the ex HMAS Canberra off Ocean Grove.
© Channel 7 News | Sunday, 4 October 2009
HMAS Canberra FFG 02 bow on
© Department of Defence
The ex HMAS Canberra dive site lies in approximately 28 m (92 ft) of water, with the top of the mast about 5 m (16 ft) below the surface at low tide. The site provides opportunities for divers with varying levels of experience and certification, from open water level certificates to advanced wreck divers, to enjoy this site.
Access to the dive site is restricted to only those participating in diving and snorkelling activities. To enter the dive site divers must either:
- Book a dive tour with a licensed tour operator, or
- Book a two hour time slot on the public mooring through Parks Victoria.
ex HMAS Canberra Reef Dives
Divers are able to access the superstructure of all decks. Highlights are the junior mess mural, the captain's cabin, the bridge, galley, mess decks and operations room. These areas have been left as intact as possible to create additional interest for divers, plus nooks and crannies for creatures. Please note that this can make the dive more challenging.
Ex HMAS Canberra Shipwreck from Allie Beckhurst on Vimeo.
To see the whole 138.1 m (453 ft) long, 14.3 m (47 ft) beam, 4,200 t (4,630 s-ton) displacement ex HMAS Canberra FFG-02 ship, you'll want to do at least 20 dives. However, you can certainly get a feel for the majesty of the wreck after even a few dives.
Wreck diving is a challenging recreational experience. Do not over-estimate your competence and skill level. Wreck penetration should not be attempted without proper training and equipment.
Parks Victoria ex HMAS Canberra Dive Site Openings (See page 2) | © Parks Victoria
It is recommended that all divers first do an orientation dive on the ex HMAS Canberra Wreck/Reef to become familiar with the complexities of the Wreck before venturing into any compartments, regardless of their level of skill or experience.
Please don't scavenge from the ex HMAS Canberra. It's illegal. Plus, if you do, it won't be long before you destroy the thing you came to see.
Location and Depth of Key ex HMAS Canberra Features
| Key Features | Depth | WGS84 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latitude | Longitude | ||
| Bow | 14.9 | 38° 18.020′ S | 144° 32.587′ E |
| Bridge | 7.7 | 38° 17.999′ S | 144° 32.601′ E |
| Mid Mast | 7.0 | 38° 17.995′ S | 144° 32.605′ E |
| Aft Mast | 7.2 | 38° 17.991′ S | 144° 32.608′ E |
| Stern | 20.1 | 38° 17.959′ S | 144° 32.634′ E |
- Depths are measured at the lowest astronomical tide Rip Bank Datum adopted as 1.460 m below AHD.
- Depth values are in metres.
ex HMAS Canberra Deck Plans
These deck plans show the various compartments of the lower decks 3 and 4. The X symbols mark where explosive charges were used to create openings through the hull to scuttle the vessel.
ex HMAS Canberra FFG-02 3 Deck.
ex HMAS Canberra FFG-02 4 Deck.
ex HMAS Canberra Orientation
- Roll — The wreck sits with a list to starboard of an approximately 25 degree angle.
- Heading — The wreck is facing in an orientation of 210 degrees to true North. (Based on soundings on the port and starboard side of the deck at the rear of the cabin.)
- Pitch — The wreck has little to no pitch in position, less than 0.5 of a degree. (Based on soundings forward and aft on the roof of the rear cabin.)
ex HMAS Canberra Reef Marine Life
The scuttling of the ex HMAS Canberra followed a period of extensive consultation with stakeholders and regulators to determine the scuttling site, environmental requirements for vessel preparation, scuttling procedure and monitoring program.
Parks Victoria initiated an ongoing ecological monitoring program to identify and manage potential marine pest colonisation of the wreck and inform stakeholders of the progressive colonisation of the wreck and any changes to local ecosystem values. As the creation of ecosystem values was listed as an objective of the project (through the creation of an artificial reef), an ecological monitoring program was required by the Commonwealth Department of Environment, Heritage and the Arts who issued the Sea Dumping Permit. Parks Victoria commissioned CEE to undertake 6-monthly ecological monitoring of the wreck for 2 years post-scuttling.
The first report describes the aims, scope and methods of the marine ecosystem monitoring program. It is an interim report for the 2, 4 and 6-month post scuttling pest inspections and the 6-month post scuttling ecosystem assessment. See The ex HMAS Canberra Marine Ecosystem Monitoring Program: 6-Months Post Scuttling.
Availability: In Stock
