Dive Site: MV New Marine

About MV New Marine

The MV New Marine is an intentionally scuttled vessel located in Bootless Bay, southeast of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. This wreck serves as a prominent artificial reef and provides one of the capital region’s most accessible and rewarding wreck diving experiences for divers. Its deliberate sinking has created a compact, penetrable structure that marine life has extensively colonized, blending exploration with rich marine biology. The vessel rests upright on a sandy seafloor at a depth of 20 meters. Its structure remains intact, featuring clear reference points and navigable interior spaces. Divers can explore the bridge, engine room, and cargo holds, each offering distinct lighting, atmospheric character, and resident marine life. The wreck's moderate size allows for a comprehensive external and partial internal exploration within a single dive, providing ample time to appreciate the vibrant ecosystem it supports. Marine colonization of the MV New Marine showcases the effectiveness of artificial reefs. External surfaces are covered in thick layers of living organisms, with soft corals draping from railings and hard coral colonies establishing themselves across horizontal surfaces. The wreck attracts a diverse fish community, including dense schools of glassfish shimmering inside, batfish hovering near the bridge, and lionfish strategically positioned. Roving predators like trevally and barracuda are also seen using the wreck as a hunting ground. Juvenile fish (macro) are commonly found. This site is recognized as an advanced dive, particularly for internal exploration, due to overhead environments and potential for silting. While the 20-meter depth is moderate, navigating enclosed spaces requires careful air management. External exploration is suitable for divers without wreck specialization, though an experienced guide is recommended.