The Wrecks of HMAS Perth and USS Houston

The Wrecks of HMAS Perth and USS Houston
Indonesia - September 2012
Trip Overview
The wrecks of the HMAS Perth and USS Houston, two heavy cruisers sunk in the Battle Of The Java Sea have
received very little technical diving attention in recent years due to lack of local operations able to support it.
In only moderate depths, these large warships offer some fantastic tech diving opportunities. Following three
very successful trips we are again chartering the MB Cecilia Ann for early September 2012, and outfitting her
with double tanks and gas blending capability.
Trip Schedule
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September 4th - Afternoon/early evening, group transfers Jakarta to Anyer ( three hours drive ) to board the boat and sail that night.
September 5th – September 10th - Diving HMAS Perth and USS Houston.
September 10th late afternoon return to port and transfer to Jakarta.
An option to do only the first three days, or final three, exists – ask us about arrangements.
The Diving
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The Perth and Houston lie in depths between 30-37m of water.
Three dives a day generally possible.
Nitrox, and oxygen for decompression. Boat set up for drifting deco.
Expect moderate current – though trips are always planned to avoid strong spring tides.
Certification level – Minimum IANTD Advanced Nitrox or similar. Technical Wreck cert an advantage.
Dive with a buddy, or with Tech Asia Staff experienced on both Wrecks.
The Boat and Facilities
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The Cecelia Ann is an 18m wooden ketch. Well crewed, with ample deck space and air conditioned
cabins for ten.
We will be limiting the trip to six people plus one Tech Asia staff member.
Catering is excellent, both Western and Indonesian, with a BBQ on deck being a favorite way to eat.
The Wrecks Themselves
These two ships were sunk on the night of February 28th/March 1st 1942 in the Battle of The Sunda
Straits. Previous days had seen multiple encounters with Japanese forces, and HMAS Perth and USS Houston
were ultimately encircled and overcome after an epic struggle, sunk by Long Lance torpedoes from Japanese
destroyers, and heavy gunfire from the heavy cruisers Mogami and Mikuma.
Discovered in 1967, HMAS Perth lies on her port side, she is 169m long and displaced 6,830 tons. At her
shallowest point she is at 21m, with a seabed at averaging 36m. Average diving depth is 30m. The slightly
larger USS Houston was a 183m/9,050 ton ship, found in the early seventies, and rests closer to shore just
three miles away, starboard side down. Her depth range is 18-34m, dives averaged 27m. Both ships afford
opportunities to explore through the gaping holes left by the torpedo strikes, or in the case of the Houston
even through the circular barbettes where the forward 8” gun turrets, now displaced on the seabed, had once
stood.
Payments and Costs
Six diving days for US$2,395.00. This trip cost will include
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Road transfers as a group from Jakarta to Anyer and back.
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Use of twin tanks and stage tanks provided by Tech Asia
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All meals and non-alcoholic beverages whilst aboard the boat.
The cost does not include :
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Gases – subject to any last minute changes in the buy prices, oxygen will $250.00 for the full six days.
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Personal diving equipment.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All expenses related to the running of this trip are incurred in Indonesian Rupiah, and the
US$ prices qouted here will remain fixed as long as exchange rate stays between IDR8,250 and IDR8,750
to one US$. If there are significant exchange rate fluctuations adjustments will need to be made as below.
Rate 7,250 - 7,750 - 3 days $1,360.00, 6 Days $2,715.00
Rate 7,750 - 8,250 - 3 days $1,275.00, 6 Days $2,545.00
Rate 8,250 - 8,750 - 3 days $1,200.00, 6 Days $2,395.00 (at time of writing)
Rate 8,750 - 9,250 - 3 days $1,135.00, 6 Days $2,270.00
Final decisions on cost will be made based on exchange rate at 60 days prior to departure when final payments are due.
All inquiries as to availability of places, further details or questions,
please email Dave or Sam on [email protected]
Phone +63 915 379 1530 or +63 917 793 4227
TECH ASIA
Divers Institute