Liveaboard Diving

Truk Lagoon FAQs

Before Your Trip

Is Truk Lagoon suitable for all certified divers?

With average dive depths between 25 – 35 metres, diving in Truk Lagoon is suitable for experienced recreational divers and technical divers. However, it is generally considered to be unsuitable for entry level divers. Additionally, there are some wrecks which are significantly deeper than recreational limits, which are therefore only accessible to technical divers. 

Further information about the wrecks and depths can be found in our blog: How deep are the Truk Lagoon wrecks?

Minimum certification requirements

The majority of wrecks in Truk Lagoon are within recreational, no-decompression dive limits at depths of between 18 metres and 40 metres. Others, which are only suitable for technical divers at depths of between 40 metres – 64 metres.

Recreational divers are required to have PADI Advanced Open Water certification, or equivalent, with a minimum of 50 logged dives, and preferably Deep Diver Speciality (40 metres). 

Technical and rebreather divers are required to have the relevant certification and experience for the depths and type of diving which they are intending to do.


Guests who do not meet the minimum requirements, or who the crew feel have insufficient experience in certain conditions, may be denied participation in some or all dives.

Technical diving equipment considerations

There are no facilities for repairing or servicing diving equipment in Truk Lagoon. Whilst Pacific Master carries a limited amount of tools and common spares for making repairs in the field, divers should ensure they bring everything they need to be self-sufficient. This is especially true for rebreather divers as we do not carry any special tools or parts such as oxygen cells or batteries for rebreathers.

 

Technical Divers need to have the following:

  • Two methods of buoyancy – All divers carrying out technical dives from Truk Master need a second means of buoyancy. 
    This can be achieved by using a wing with a redundant bladder, drysuit or lift bag with a minimum of 20kg/ 45lb of positive lift.
  • Dive Computer – Multi-gas dive computer capable of switching between a minimum of 2 gasses, ideally more.
  • Backup Computer or depth/bottom timer.
  • 2 Surface Marker Buoys (SMB): One red or orange SMB and one yellow SMB with a slate or wet notes attached for emergency use.
  • 2 Reels or Spools: One with a minimum 15m of line and one with a minimum of 60m of line.
  • Dive Slate or Wet Notes: Additional dive slate in addition to the slate used with the emergency surface marker buoy or a set of wet notes.
  • Minimum of two dive torches (ideally three) for any guests planning on doing any wreck penetration.
Equipment and gases preparation

Cylinders, Gases and Sofnolime supplies are limited and subject to availability. All requirements MUST be requested in well in advance by completing the Technical Equipment and Gases Requests Form and returning it to our reservations team as early as possible.

The remoteness of the destination means we have to order supplies from outside of the Federated States of Micronesia making it difficult to accommodate any requests without at least 3 months notice.

Liability Releases

All divers are required to sign the relevant liability waivers for the activities in which they will be participating during their liveaboard trip.

In addition to our standard Boat & Travel Liability Release, medical statement, and standard safe diving practices releases, technical and rebreather divers are required to complete the Technical Diver Liability Release.

As rebreathers use variable gas mixes, all rebreather divers need to sign the technical diving waiver, even if they are diving recreational profiles.

All release forms can be downloaded Liability Waiver Forms link at the bottom of the Master Liveaboards website homepage, or here: masterliveaboards.com/forms/

Travel

Coronavirus: Travel Restrictions

See our COVID-19 Travel Requirements page for the latest COVID-19 travel updates.

Getting there

Our Truk Lagoon itineraries are built around United Airlines flight schedules from Guam (GUM) to Chuuk (TKK). We therefore suggest that you plan to travel this route, unless you are intending to spend additional time in Chuuk before and / or after your liveaboard.

Alternatively, you can fly from Honolulu (HNL) to Chuuk via the Marshall Islands with United Airlines’ Island Hopper, although this route may require staying in Truk for an additional night either before or after your liveaboard.

Airport Taxes
TKK Chuuk Airport departure tax is currently $30 USD to be paid at the airport in cash only. 

Passports & Visas

Transit via Guam and Hawaii

All non-US citizens need to apply for an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program or acquire a USA visa prior to travelling.
IMPORTANT: All travellers wishing to enter the US or its territories under the VWP need to hold a passport with an integrated chip (an ePassport).

Visa Information

Passport holders from most western countries are issued a tourist visa on arrival and the duration of stay is authorised for the number of days requested. You may extend your visa by up to 30 days free of charge but, the total time of stay shall not exceed 90 days. For further information regarding visas please visit the Federated States of Micronesia website at http://www.visit-micronesia.fm/guide/regulation.html

Passport Validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 4 months from the date of entry into Chuuk.

Proof of onward travel
You are required to show a confirmed ticket to leave Chuuk, or any country you are transiting through, prior to boarding your flight.

Pre-Travel Health & vaccinations

We advise all guests to ensure that their vaccinations are up to date. Please make sure you use insect repellent and cover exposed skin to prevent any insect-borne diseases. If you are travelling with medication, please bring your physicians prescription with you.
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate requirements:
Guests arriving from countries which are affected by Cholera or Yellow Fever must show proof of immunisation upon arrival.

Country Information

Chuuk or Truk?

Ever wondered why some people call the destination ‘Truk’ while others refer to it as ‘Chuuk’?

Find out more in our blog: Chuuk vs. Truk. What’s in a name?

Time zone

UTC+10

Language & religion

The national language of Truk is English, however there is a mix of Micronesian languages and local dialects. No particular religion is dominant in Truk.

Currency

The local currency is the US Dollar (US$). The majority of established hotels, shops and restaurants accept major credit cards. However, smaller establishments are likely to only accept cash payments. ATMs are available however guests are advised to exchange money prior to arrival and to ensure you have small denominations on hand.

Communications

There is very limited general internet access in Chuuk and no international roaming. 

Climate & weather

Truk, as part of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a tropical country and the climate is fairly even all year round. The average high is 30°C (86°F) whilst the average low is 25°C (77°F) throughout the year. The more humid climate is during in the summer months (Jun-Sept) whilst trade winds come mainly from the northeast between December and June.

Health

Health care is readily available in the FSM and a major hospital is located within each of the states. There are no tropical diseases, however, to prevent stomach ailments we recommend travelers follow normal precautions with food and drink bottled water only.

Recompression chambers

Chuuk Islands have limited recompression chambers; it may be necessary for guests to be transferred to Guam via emergency air evacuation for treatment.

During Your Trip

Diving Courses

We are unable to offer any diving courses on our Truk Lagoon itineraries.

Recreational and Technical dives

Each day’s diving is planned in such a way that both technical and recreational divers can explore the wrecks at leisure according to their certification and experience level. Most of the wreck dives are done straight from the main vessel directly on to the wreck site but, we may also offer guests the possibility of diving an alternative site from the tender.


The liveaboard vessel will moor directly over the deeper sites allowing an easy descent down the line on to the wreck. Technical divers will benefit from the support of the ‘mother ship’, while our 2 skiffs are able to shuttle less experienced divers to shallower sites and offer reef diving as an alternative to the wrecks.


We do not normally limit dive times for technical divers (unless we need to move the boat) but meal times are fixed. Technical divers are responsible for planning their own dives, including necessary decompression stops and are required to submit their dive plan to the Cruise Director before each dive.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not allow solo diving on Pacific Master, regardless of certifications and experience.

Rebreather support & equipment

Pacific Master is equipped with booster pumps for supporting rebreather divers. 2L and 3L CCR cylinder sets, as well as stage / bailout cylinders, are also available to rent.

We can also supply Oxygen and CO2 absorbent (Molecular Products 797 Sofnolime); The scrubber is charged per 20kg tub and O2 is charged per fill.

Pre-booking of any rebreather supplies is essential to guarantee availability for you. Please complete the Technical & Rebreather Equipment Requests form and return it to our reservations team as early as possible to place your order.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • The majority of our rebreather cylinders have 3/4 NPS neck threads.
  • We also have a limited number of M25 thread cylinders.
  • We DO NOT have any cylinders with M26 neck threads or adaptors for them on board. Guests are advised to bring their own if they need them.
  • We cannot supply pre-packed scrubber cartridges for rebreather units such as Poseidon.
  • Spare oxygen cells and specialist rebreather tools are not available so rebreather divers should bring their own.
What thickness wetsuit is suitable?

Water temperatures in Truk Lagoon generally range between 28-30°C. Either 3 mm or 5 mm full length exposure suit are suitable. A 3 mm suit is appropriate for those who do not feel the cold as much or do not intend deep diving (30m+). A 5 mm suit helps wreck divers to prevent injury. Technical divers are advised to bring appropriate exposure protection for prolonged deco-stops.

Communications onboard

Pacific Master is fitted with a Starlink satellite system making Wi-Fi internet access available on board (Charges apply – please refer to the on board extras for price details).

You can find useful information and advice on how to get the most out of your purchased data in our Onboard Internet Access Guidelines

Electricity

Pacific Master is fitted with 220V-50 Hz, Australian style sockets. Although there are some universal adapters on board, we strongly advise bringing your own to ensure you have the type and quantity you need for all of your personal equipment.

Tipping guidelines

We believe that tipping is a matter of personal choice; Should you feel that our crew has made your holiday extra special, they will certainly appreciate a tip as a sign of your appreciation. An envelope will be provided by your cruise director at the end of your itinerary and all gratuities will be divided equally amongst all crew, including the captain and dive guides.

If you are unsure how much to tip, we suggest 10% of the liveaboard cost. Tips can only be accepted in cash.

Marine, park and port fees

Marine, park and port fees vary depending on the itinerary duration, and are payable on board only.

The applicable amount will be added to your invoice as an on board payment at the time of booking your liveaboard.

On board payments

In addition to Marine, park and port fees, charges for other on board extras such as laundry, alcoholic drinks and Master Liveaboards merchandise, as well as equipment which has not been paid for in advance and gases / sofnolime can be paid in cash or by credit card.  

All prices are given in USD, but can be paid onboard in EUR, GBP, and AUD calculated using the applicable exchange rate on the last day of the liveaboard itinerary. 

We accept Mastercard and Visa credit card payments for which there is a 3% surcharge.