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| Chertan Frequently Asked Questions | |
| 1. What are the passport and Visa requirements? | You will need a valid passport and preferably a tourist visa stamped in prior to departure from your country. A 30 day tourist visa can only be issued if your port of arrival into the country is Port Moresby. |
| 2. What is the P.N.G. Currency? | The currency for P.N.G. is the Kina. We suggest that you convert some monies to Kina either in Australia or upon arrival in Port Moresby. As there will be opportunities to purchase artifacts and shells during the course of the trip. |
| 3. What is the electrical power available on the M.V. Chertan? |
The M.V. Chertan has two 20KVA gentsets with outlets 240 volts throughout the vessel and 110V in selected areas. |
| 4. What dive equipment should I bring or recommended? |
Divers should provide all their own personal equipment including BC, Regulator, Mask, Fins, Snorkel, Computer and Gauges. The vessel supplies tanks, weights and weight belts. |
| 5. What is my baggage allowance? |
Normal baggage is 20kg. Divers are allowed to carry 16KG or 35 pounds of excess baggage on Air New Guinea. Do not pack anything that is totally unnecessary. If flying Qantas or American airlines (International) Be aware that they are very strict about over sized or over weight bags. |
| 6. What are the diving seasons in Milne Bay and the corresponding water temperatures? | Water temperatures in our summer months may be as high as 84 degrees F and in our winter as low as 77 degrees F. Chertan dives all year round with the exception of February when we feel dive sites may be jeopardized by strong westerlies. During our wet season visibility increases substantially due to the prevailing currents. Even though our wet season only lasts for two to three months, the visibility generally remains high for the months of June, July, August, September and into October. The months November, December, January, March, April and May, though the visibility drops slowly seems to offer a different variety of macro subjects. On both sides there's a trade off. |
| 7. What are the berthing accommodations on M.V. Chertan? |
The Chertan has five comfortable double bunk cabins, each with it's own sink and storage space. All accommodation is air - conditioned. |
| 8. Are there facilities on board for camera equipment for maintenance and storage? | On the main dive deck there is a two tiered camera table for storage of cameras between dives, a large camera table upstairs and there is also a closet on the dive deck for cameras that are not in use. Many divers work on their cameras on a large dining table, on the top deck. All photographers are responsible to bring extra o- rings and all gear to maintain there own cameras. |
| 9. What if I get sea sick? | The dive sites chosen by the Chertan are generally very calm during some of the passages the boat may experience some movement , if you are susceptible to sea sickness, please bring the normal anti seasick medicine. |
| 10. Do I need travel insurance? |
Travel insurance is STRONGLY advised. |
| 11. Do I need emergency evacuation insurance? (DAN) |
As many of the dives sites are in very remote locations, Dive Insurance is mandatory. Insurance is invaluable in speeding up the treatment process. |
| 12. What is the diving skill level necessary for the dive sites frequented by the MV Chertan? | Most dive sites are fairly easy diving with little or no current. However, there are dive sites which we visit, which are open -ocean pinnacles where the currents maybe stronger. Appropriate precautions should be exercised. |
| 13. What if I have special dietary needs? |
The selection of food in P.N.G., is always good, but not consistent, so if you have special dietary needs or requests for certain items, or drinks you should note this on your application which will be forwarded to the boat. Please do not wait until the last minute as food stores are purchased prior to boarding the vessel. |
| 14. Can I use the ships communications systems i.e. Telephone? |
Yes, but it must be understood that satellite communications are extremely expensive. |
| 15. What measures have been taken by the boat and the crew to protect the marine life in Milne Bay? | Over the last several years the M.V. Chertan and destination Oceanic travelers have worked together to place moorings on frequently visited sites in order to save corals from anchor damage. |
| 16. Is it safe to drink the water? |
Aboard the boat the water is safe to drink as it is processed by a desalinator and filtered. |
| 17. What is the water capacity of the ship? |
Aboard a liveaboard vessel water conservation is always important if divers are reasonable with their use of fresh water for between dive rinses and after dive showers then our ten tonne capacity is more than adequate. |
| 18. What are the clothing recommendations on board, on land and sun protection? | Clothing is casual, we do recommend a wind breaker type jacket for the evenings in case it gets cool and good walking shoes if you wish to do some of the hikes. You should bring plenty of sun screen and a insect repellent for the bush walks. |
| 19. Does M.V. Chertan have Oxygen on board? |
Yes, the vessel carries sufficient oxygen to transport patients to a place of pick up. |
| 20. How many dives can I do a day? |
Diving is at your discretion. Of course controlled by your computer and traveling time. Some locations where we spend full days, people go in and out at will. |
| 21. When I choose to go to Milne Bay, why should I go on the M.V. Chertan and not one of the other boats? | The Chertan is the Milne Bay operator. While others operate in Milne Bay for part of the year, the Chertan dives this magnificent area year round. |
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If you feel that experience and a sound knowledge of the area counts, then you will choose the Chertan. While other boats regularly have staff change overs, the owner and operator, Rob van der Loos, who by the way is a very keen underwater photographer and videographer, has remained and can boast a 30 year diving history within Milne Bay. In that time he has accumulated a wealth of information and sound knowledge of the dive sites Chertan chooses to dive. Knowledge obtainable through experience. |
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M.V. Chertan Liveaboard Dive Adventures Milne Bay Marine Charters Chertan Web Site: www.Chertan.com |
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