

Best for intermediate divers, 11-40m, boat entry, mild current.
The Shinkoku Maru is a Japanese tanker sunk during Operation Hailstone in 1944, resting upright on the floor of Chuuk Lagoon. The wreck offers a wide range of depths, with the shallowest structure at 11 metres and the hull reaching 40 metres. Divers encounter mild currents and visibility ranging from 12 to 38 metres. The superstructure is colonised by coral and supports a diverse reef ecosystem. Due to the depth and potential for entanglement within the engine room and cargo holds, this site is suited for intermediate divers. A torch and reel are recommended for penetration, and divers should monitor bottom time carefully to manage nitrogen narcosis.
7.40010, 151.77893
Narcosis becomes a real factor as you push toward 40 metres, so plan your bottom time and turn pressure before descending to the deeper sections of the hull. Penetration of the engine room and cargo holds carries entanglement risk, so bring a torch and a reel regardless of how good the ambient visibility looks from outside.
Reached by liveaboard or from shore-based operators on Weno, Chuuk State, accessed via international flights through Guam.
Recorded at this site
Depth
11-40m
Visibility
12-38m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
29-30°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec
The wreck supports a healthy reef ecosystem, and the habitat is expected to host a variety of reef fish and invertebrates typical of the region.
No, this site is classified for intermediate divers due to the depth of the wreck and the risks associated with penetration.
The wreck sits at depths ranging from 11 to 40 metres, with an average depth of 20 metres.
No, the Shinkoku Maru is located in Chuuk Lagoon and requires boat access.
While the shallowest structure is at 11 metres, the site is primarily a wreck dive for scuba divers.
Diving at Shinkoku Maru in Weno requires the following certifications: Open Water, Advanced, Deep. Always dive within your training limits.
A rashguard or 2mm shorty is recommended for diving at Shinkoku Maru in Weno. Water temperatures range from 29°C to 30°C.
The best months to visit Shinkoku Maru in Weno are January, February, March, April, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Divers at Shinkoku Maru in Weno should be aware of sharks, lionfish. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Shinkoku Maru in Weno typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Shinkoku Maru in Weno typically ranges from 12 metres to 38 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.