2017 / 2018 Bahamas Bikini Atoll Egyptian Red Sea French Polynesia Galapagos Islands Maldives Truk Lagoon Solomons - Papua New Guinea

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1 Image Robert Wilpernig 2017 / 2018 Bahamas Bikini Atoll Egyptian Red Sea French Polynesia Galapagos Islands Maldives Truk Lagoon Solomons - Papua New Guinea

2 Introducing Master Liveaboards In each of our destinations, you will find a unique range of features on board our vessels that help you to relax and enjoy some of the best diving in the world. From the reservations team to the crew on board you will immediately feel at home, knowing that you are in safe hands, ready for a great new adventure with Master Liveaboards. All cabins are equipped with individual air-conditioning systems, and most also provide private bathrooms. You can just unwind and watch a movie, read a book or simply snooze the surface interval away in our comfortable indoor lounges. Sun decks have cushioned loungers and there are shaded outdoor areas for those who wish to stay cool and enjoy the view. When it is time to dine, enjoy a mix of regional and Western cuisine on all our vessels. Food is freshly prepared and served buffet style along with a range of snacks and drinks. The dining area comes with full refreshment making facilities, espresso machine, fresh fruit and snacks. Help yourself or ask your host who will bring it for you. Your diving day will generally include up to 4 dives per day, with each followed by a main meal or snack. Each dive is thoroughly briefed by your dive team prior to boarding the dive tenders. Our experienced dive guides will be more than happy to show you everything there is to see underwater and if there is a particular species you wish to see, be sure to inform them and they will do their utmost to find it for you. Diving is why everyone is on board and so our dive decks are designed to accommodate all you could wish for, featuring individual set-up stations, extra storage for personal items and kit, plus camera rinse tanks. Fresh towels will also be provided after each dive for your comfort. Image Robert Wilpernig Page 2: Introducing Master Liveaboards

3 Dive Destinations The Bahamas, Bikini Atoll, the Egyptian Red Sea, French Polynesia, the Galapagos Islands, the Maldives and Truk Lagoon. Master Liveaboards itineraries encompass a wide variety of diving across the globe, from the world famous Darwin and Wolf Islands in the Galapagos, to the current fuelled passes of French Polynesia and the historic wrecks of Truk Lagoon and Bikini Atoll will see the launch of two new vessels and 3 new destinations for the fleet; the vast archipelago of the Bahamas where shark interactions are the norm as well as the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea that offer true frontier diving with incredible variety, from wrecks to macro to vibrant coral and large pelagics. Bahamas: The Bahamas enjoys a sub-tropical climate and boats a diverse selection of marine wildlife. With reefs, wrecks, blue holes, and unbelievable shark interactions a whole host of exciting and varied dive sites are just waiting to be explored, you ll be spoiled for choice. Bikini Atoll: For true wreck and tec fans only! This is the ultimate in tec-wreck diving on a vast naval fleet, sunk as a result of US nuclear weapons testing after WWII. With cruisers, battle ships, aircraft and of course the famous USS Saratoga aircraft carrier this is a one off diving destination! Egyptian Red Sea: With vibrant reefs, crystal clear visibility, pinnacles, walls, wrecks and amazing shark sightings, it s little wonder that the Egyptian Red Sea is marked as a world-class scuba diving destination, with something for everyone. French Polynesia: Situated in the heart of the Pacific Ocean this island archipelago is home to some of the most wondrous dive sites, where hundreds of sharks gather in schools to be joined by manta rays and bottle nosed dolphins. But it s not just pelagic interaction here; numerous dive sites within the Tuamotus and the Marquesas offer amazing corals and reef life. Galapagos: A destination at the top of everyone s bucket list. The Galapagos is one of those rare places where you can dive through hundreds of hammerhead sharks, only to then find a huge whale shark cruising by. Toss in silky sharks, sea turtles, penguins, seals and diving iguanas and you have something very special indeed. Maldives: This series of atolls lies in the warm tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and are host to an underwater paradise brimming with marine life that is simply indescribable. Beautiful hard and soft corals, manta rays, whale sharks, jacks, tuna and more await. Papua New Guinea: Vibrant coral atolls and walls, colourful barrier reefs, amazing WWII wrecks and abundant pelagics all make for a great décor in this little dived area. Hammerhead and whale sharks, pilot whales, dolphins, turtles and sea snakes are usual suspects, and the macro lover will have a feast on the muck dives. Solomon Islands: This is THE destination for the real diving fan looking for something new. Completely off the beaten track you will find: wrecks, caverns, and wide-angle reefs. The Solomon Islands rival any other Indo-Pacific dive travel destination for diversity but without the tourist numbers. Truk Lagoon: Another world class wreck diving destination, this small atoll in the Pacific is home to over 60 WWII wrecks, from supply vessels to planes and even a submarine. All of this surrounded by vibrant corals and reef life beyond imagining. Page 3: Master Liveaboards Dive Destinations

4 Image Robert Wilpernig Image Robert Wilpernig The Bahamas Famous worldwide for shark diving, The Bahamas offers so much more! Located on a crossroad of ocean currents, the marine life is spectacular and remarkably diverse. Dive with dolphins in the north of Grand Bahama Island, and on the eastern side of Cat Island with oceanic whitetip sharks. Tiger Beach North-west of Grand Bahama Island is where the sharks tend to gather, making this an ideal spot for photographers as the sharks show off their features above white sand. Caribbean reef, lemon, nurse, bull and, of course, tiger sharks are all commonly sighted. Image Robert Wilpernig Hammerhead & Tiger Shark Experience After Tiger Beach and Fish Tales, we continue south-west to the Bimini Islands to find hammerhead and bull sharks. The seascape of the Bimini Islands is breathtaking in itself, located on the edge of an underwater cliff that drops hundreds of meters into the blue abyss. Dolphin & Tiger Shark Combo Diving with sharks combined with diving with dolphins; a fun and excitement-filled cocktail! Spotted and bottle-nosed Atlantic dolphins are curious creatures and may come to play with you. The Ultimate Bahamas Experience From the sharks in Tiger Beach to the oceanic whitetip sharks in the east, combined with a visit to Pig Beach; these are The Bahamas highlights wrapped up neatly into one trip. Image Robert Wilpernig Page 4: The Bahamas

5 New to the Master Liveaboards fleet, M/V Bahamas Master has 8 well-designed cabins and can comfortably welcome up to 16 guests aboard in a choice of twin, double suites and cabins. Cabins all have large panoramic windows offering ocean views. Communal indoor and outdoor relaxation areas are both on the upper and main deck. Upstairs, you will find the spacious covered outdoor bar and dining area, as well as a sun deck for relaxation after dives. The Captain welcomes you to join him at the fly-bridge, where you can soak up the stunning views of the Bahamian islands. Upper Deck Image Robert Wilpernig Technical Specifications... Vessel Facilities... Guests: Deluxe Fixed Double Cabins: Fixed Twin Cabins: Diving Facilities... Dive School: Equipment Rental: Nitrox Membrane: Technical Information... Length: Breadth: Engines: 35 Metres 7.3 Metres Safety Equipment... First Aid: First Aiders: Emergency Oxygen: Main Deck En-Suite: Photography Friendly: Generators: Life Jackets: Air-Conditioning: Tec Diving Friendly: Construction Material: Steel Life Rafts: Towels and Bathrobes: Rebreather Friendly: Latest Update/Refit 2018 Radios: Personal Safe: Equipment Rinse Tanks: Smoke Detectors: Outdoor Dining Area: Compressors: Sun Deck: Tenders: Jacuzzi: Guides: 5 x Lower Deck Page 5: M/V Bahamas Master

6 Image Aaron Wong Image Brad Holland French Polynesia French Polynesia provides dives with walls of sharks and encounters with an amazing array of pelagic species. Image Aaron Wong The diving in French Polynesia is synonymous with thrilling currents and passes, resulting in great numbers and varieties of pelagic creatures. Walls of sharks (hammerhead, blacktip, silky, tiger, grey reef and many more), manta rays, dolphins, and huge Napoleon wrasses can be found patrolling the passes. After the turbulence, enjoy a relaxing dive on the coral gardens, brimming with life inside the atolls. Get ready to explore the underwater treasures this archipelago has to offer with three brand new and exclusive itineraries. Tuamotu Archipelago The Tuamotu Islands, to the east of Tahiti, make up a large of French Polynesia and include two of the nation s most spectacular islands: Rangiroa and Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 7 and 10 night trips are available. Fakarava & the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Famous for the Garuae Pass, one of the best sites in French Polynesia for continuous shark sightings. Drop offs, plateaus, caverns, and gorgeous coral reefs make for beautiful seascapes. The 7 night itinerary includes numerous smaller islands in the area: Toau, Kauehi, Faaite, Niau and Raraka, which make up the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Leopard whip rays, barracudas, tunas and gigantic schools of big eyes are swarming the reefs. Amazing macro life can be found here including leaf fish, nudibranchs, and all kinds of critters. Marquesas Located in the middle of the Pacific, 1500km north-east of Tahiti, the Marquesas Islands offer varied, exploratory and pristine diving away from the crowds. Hammerhead sharks, melon headed whales, and dolphins can all be found in the passes open to sea currents. Big pelagic species such as eagle rays and sharks come by in large schools. Explore the scenic caves and caverns on our 10 night itinerary. The 2-chambered Ekamako Cave stands out; it features a vertical tube filled with fresh water as well as an air pocket. Usual suspects are groups of stingrays and giant lobsters. Page 6: French Polynesia

7 The newly built M/V French Polynesia Master is currently the only liveaboard vessel to ply the waters of this island archipelago, and has a cruising speed of 12.5 knots. Built from steel, she welcomes aboard 25 guests for 7 or 10 night dive safaris. Her four decks provide ample space for relaxation, dive equipment and camera preparation whilst our experienced crew ensure you receive only the highest quality service on your diving vacation. Sun Deck Upper Deck Technical Specifications... Vessel Facilities... Guests: 25 Diving Facilities... Dive School: Technical Information... Length: 42.6 Metres Safety Equipment... First Aid: Fixed Twin Cabins: 5 Equipment Rental: Breadth: 10 Metres First Aiders: Twin/Double Cabins: 7 Nitrox Membrane: Engines: Emergency Oxygen: Fixed Double Cabins: En-Suite: Air-Conditioning: 1 Photography Friendly: Charging Station: Compressors: Generators: Construction Material: Built: 4 x Steel 2016 Oxygen Administrators: Life Jackets: Life Rafts: Main Deck Towels and Bathrobes: Tenders: VHF Ship to Tender Radios: Personal Safe: Guides: 5 x Fire Fighting Equipment: Saloon: Smoke Detectors: Dining Room: Lower Deck Page 7: M/V French Polynesia Master

8 Image Gerald Rambert Image Robert Wilpernig The Galapagos Islands Image Daniel Norwood The Galapagos Islands have some of the most spectacular pelagic diving on the planet. Far away from civilisation, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands of Darwin and Wolf offer some of the best diving in the world. The underwater action around these remote islands is so extraordinarily spectacular and filled with such a vast array of marine life, that it is unparalleled and unique. See mantas dancing underwater, play with the Galapagos penguins, and dive amongst hundreds of hammerhead sharks, turtles, marine iguanas, tuna, eagle rays and whale sharks. For the lucky ones, Mola Mola (sunfish) can sometimes be seen in the depths too. One of these magnificent dive sites is Darwin s Arch, which features on the Master Liveaboards itinerary more than once as on each dive you may see new and different marine life. Besides all the shark action, you may spot walls of migrating rays and gigantic schools of fish that seem to turn day into night when passing. Sea lions dive in and hunt around these fish schools and they are known to pop up right in front of you to play. Diving in the Galapagos, guests can expect some strong currents and cold water, and though known for its pelagics, there are healthy corals and plenty of small treasures including nudibranchs, moray eels, pipe fish and frogfish. All this and more will be waiting for you in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Page 8: The Galapagos Islands

9 Image Robert Wilpernig Built in 2004, M/V Galapagos Master joined the Master Liveaboards brand after a seven month refit in Previously operating as Deep Blue, the vessel was refitted by experienced yacht builders Frank and Jan van der Linde, who also brought you the Siren Fleet yachts. With a steel hull and a cruising speed of 12.5 knots, not only is M/V Galapagos Master a superbly appointed boat, she is also the most eco-friendly liveaboard operating in the Galapagos Islands. M/V Galapagos Master is accompanied by 2 RHIB tenders with ladders, which will shuttle divers to the dive sites. The tender drivers remain in the vicinity of the divers, for continuous surface support throughout the dive. Upper Deck Technical Specifications... Vessel Facilities... Guests: Fixed Twin Cabins: Fixed Double Cabins: Diving Facilities... Equipment Rental: Nitrox Membrane: Photography Friendly: Technical Information... Length: Breadth: Engines: 32.3 Metres 7.5 Metres Safety Equipment... First Aid: First Aiders: Emergency Oxygen: Main Deck Twin/Double Cabins: 6 Compressors: Generators: 4 x Oxygen Administrators: En-Suite: Tenders: Construction Material: Steel Life Jackets: Air-Conditioning: Guides: Desalination Units: Life Rafts: Towel Change: Latest Update/Refit 2015 Tender Safety Boxes: Personal Safe: VHF Ship to Tender Radios: Lounge/Bar Fire Fighting Equipment: AED: Smoke Detectors: Life Rings: Lower Deck Page 9: M/V Galapagos Master

10 Image Fergus Kennedy Image Mike North The Maldives The Maldives are known as the pearls of the Indian Ocean. Located south west of Sri Lanka in the warm, tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives include over 1,200 tiny, lowlying coral islands surrounded by white sand. The abundance of marine life in the Maldives can be attributed to the ideal growing conditions the waters provide for the coral reef. These coral reefs are home to more than 700 species of fish, many of which are ocean rarities. In the lagoons you can Image Fergus Kennedy find whale sharks, turtles, octopus, manta rays and the giant Napoleon wrasse to name just a few. Inside the atoll lagoons, rocky pinnacles reach up almost to the surface. These are locally called Thilas and are usually covered with various corals and marine life. Thilas make water and nutrients come up from the ocean floor against their walls which feeds the resident sponges, soft corals and crustaceans. The current-swept channels and numerous pinnacles act like magnets for marine life. In the channels, you can explore the caves, caverns and overhangs where soft corals proliferate. Moreover, there is a range of colourful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonian fans all benefiting from the nutrient-rich water. There are also plenty of cleaning stations where cleaning wrasses and shrimps service the larger marine species. Page 10: The Maldives

11 Image Anke Westerlaken M/V Maldives Master is one of the most recent additions to the Master Liveaboards fleet. Updated as recently as the summer of 2016, she is a 37 metre, steel-hulled vessel that has been designed with divers in mind. Relax and unwind in the outdoor shaded lounge areas or top up your tan on one of the three sun decks in between dives. Soak up the stunning Maldives sunset views whilst sitting in the Jacuzzi enjoying a drink. M/V Maldives Master also offers divers a dedicated dhoni, one of the largest currently operating in the region. With a whole host of on board facilities, including showers, toilets, and a large sun deck, the dhoni is the perfect platform to explore the underwater world of the Maldives. The dhoni is 19m x 6m, and provides an NRC Nitrox Membrane System. Flybridge Upper Deck Technical Specifications... Vessel Facilities... Guests: 26 Diving Facilities... Dive School: Technical Information... Length: 37 Metres Safety Equipment... First Aid: Twin Cabins: 10 Equipment Rental: Breadth: 8 Metres First Aiders: Double Cabins: 3 Nitrox Membrane: Engines: Emergency Oxygen: En-Suite: Air-Conditioning: In-Cabin Entertainment: Charging Station: Photography Friendly: Compressors: Generators: Construction Material: Latest Update/Refit Steel 2016 Oxygen Administrators: Life Jackets: Life Rafts: Main Deck Towel Change: Tenders: Tag & Dive System: Saloon: Dhoni: Fire Alarms and Extinguishers Bar & Sky Lounge: Guides: 2- GPS Jacuzzi: Engine Room Fire Control System AED Smoke Detectors Lower Deck Page 11: M/V Maldives Master

12 Image Saeed Rashid Image Dray Van Beeck The Egyptian Red Sea The Red Sea is a unique marine paradise that offers some of the most spectacular diving in the world. With miles of beautiful coral reef, numerous wrecks and a vast array of marine life from brightly coloured nudibranchs and tropical fish to large pelagics such as oceanic whitetips and hammerheads, there really is something for everyone. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced diver, your Red Sea experience will be one that you never forget. With arguably some of the best diving and tourist sites in the world and a rich cultural history, Egypt is the perfect holiday Image Dray Van Beeck destination for both divers and non-divers alike. Master Liveaboards covers the best dive sites in the Red Sea by offering a range of 11 itineraries. If you are a wreck fanatic, be sure to check out either Best of Wrecks or Northern Wrecks & Reefs; these itineraries include the SS Thistlegorm, by far the most famous wreck in the Red Sea, along with Abu Nuhas. Abu Nuhas reef is located dangerously close to the busy shipping lanes of the Gulf of Suez and has claimed many ships over the years; the nickname of Ships Graveyard is well-deserved. Other Red Sea highlights include the Brothers Islands, Deadalus and Elphinstone reefs. Renowned for scalloped hammerheads, reef and oceanic sharks, dolphins, turtles and even whale sharks, these spectacular dive sites are the bucket lists of many divers. The diverse seascapes of St Johns and Ras Mohamed with drop-offs, fan corals and pelagic action will keep you on the tip of your fins. Image Dray Van Beeck Page 12: The Egyptian Red Sea

13 Originally operating as M/Y blue Horizon, the flagship vessel within the blue o two fleet, M/V Red Sea Master recently underwent a major refurbishment, and now offers a brand new Master Liveaboards destination. With a contemporary and stylish feel, the vessel takes Red Sea liveaboard luxury to a whole new level. King suite upgrades are available and all cabins benefit from air-conditioning, en-suite facilities, mini refrigerators and personal entertainment systems. M/V Red Sea Master is equipped with a nitrox membrane, booster pump, technical blending panel and is rebreather friendly, which makes it the perfect platform for technical divers. Flybridge Upper Deck Technical Specifications... Vessel Facilities... Guests: 26 Diving Facilities... Dive School: Technical Information... Length: 41 Metres Safety Equipment... First Aid: Fixed Double Suites: 4 Equipment Rental: Breadth: 8.75 Metres First Aiders: Twin/Double Cabins: 5 Nitrox Membrane: Engines: Emergency Oxygen: Fixed Twin Cabins: 4 Rebreather Friendly: Generators: Oxygen Administrators: En-Suite: Air-Conditioning: In-Cabin Entertainment: Tec Diving Friendly: Charging Station: Photography Friendly: Construction Material: Latest Update/Refit Wood 2016 Life Jackets: Life Rafts: Tag & Dive System: Main Deck Towel Change: Compressors: Tender Safety Boxes: Mini Bar: Tenders: VHF Ship to Tender Radios: Saloon: Guides: 2- Fire Fighting Equipment: Sky Lounge: AED: Jacuzzi: Smoke Detectors: Lower Deck Page 13: M/V Red Sea Master

14 Solomon Islands Solomon Islands are one of the most peaceful and beautiful areas of the Pacific. They also have some of the most pristine dive sites in the world. These are filled with innumerable unspoiled hard and soft corals because of the remote location and the limited number of divers. Solomon Islands are THE destination for the real diving fan looking for a change of scenery, completely off the beaten track. You will also find: wrecks, caverns, wide-angle reefs and large sea fans. Solomon Islands rival any other Indo-Pacific dive travel destination for coral reefs, marine life and diversity but without the tourist numbers. Special itineraries include: transit trips within Solomon Islands and to Papua New Guinea and World War II Wrecks. Discover the unrevealed treasures in one of the last diving frontiers! Indulge yourself exclusively in diving with pilot whales, various kinds of sharks, mantas and huge shoals of fish, right down to the macro wonders such as pygmy sea horses, nudibranchs and ghost pipefish. The marine diversity in Solomon Islands is hard to beat! Page 14: The Solomon Islands

15 M/V Taka, the established and well-respected vessel operating liveaboard holidays in Solomon Islands, is the newest addition to the Master Liveaboards fleet. After rebranding and refit early 2018, she will be officially renamed: Solomons PNG Master. She is a custom designed diving vessel with 12 comfortable cabins accommodating up to 20 guests and a crew of 12 including your dive team, skipper, boat crew and chefs. Inside she boasts a huge lounge and dining area with DVDs, large TVs and a dedicated camera area for our photographer guests. Spend time sharing your photos from your adventure, reading a book from our library or just hanging out in air conditioned comfort. Prefer to lounge outside? There are various options: up top we have a large sun deck complete with loungers where you can catch some sun as the world goes by. On our second deck, we have an expansive covered seating area where you can just sit back and relax. Sundeck The dive deck has toilets, freshwater showers & freshwater rinse bins for equipment. Each station has ample storage for your equipment above and below your station. Two ladders on the dive platform provide easy access to and from the water. Most dives are done directly off the dive deck with a tender in the water for additional safety. Photography facilities are excellent. Upper Deck Technical Specifications... Vessel Facilities... Guests: 20 Diving Facilities... Dive School: Technical Information... Length: 30 Metres Safety Equipment... First Aid: Fixed Double Cabins: 5 Equipment Rental: Breadth: 8 Metres First Aiders: Fixed Twin Cabins: 7 Nitrox Membrane: Engines: Emergency Oxygen: En-Suite: Rebreather Friendly: Generators: Oxygen Administrators: Air-Conditioning: On-board Entertainment: Towel Change: Tec Diving Friendly: Charging Station: Photography Friendly: Construction Material: Latest Update/Refit Steel 2018 Life Jackets: Life Rafts: Tender Safety Boxes: Main Deck Saloon: Compressors: VHF Ship to Tender Radios: Indoor Dining Area: Tenders: Fire Fighting Equipment: Sun Deck: Guides: Smoke Detectors: Sky Lounge: Lower Deck Page 15: M/V Soloman PNG Master

16 Papua New Guinea Offering arguably the best diving in the Pacific, Papua New Guinea (PNG) fully deserves to be added to your bucket list. PNG dive sites are so untouched and remote that new marine species are still being discovered. Pretty much anything can be spotted here: hammerheads, whale sharks, mantas, dolphins, and pilot whales. All this awaits you exclusively as there are almost no other dive operations around. For macro lovers, there is world-class muck diving with a remarkable array of unusual creatures. A dream destination for the adventurous diver! Vibrant coral atolls and walls, colourful barrier reefs, amazing WWII wrecks and abundant wide-angle subjects, which the Indo-Pacific is famous for, all make a great décor for underwater photo- and videographers. Marvel at the great variety of seascapes and look for colourful nudibranchs that come in all shapes and sizes. Papua New Guinea has it all! Our 3 itineraries around New Hanover, North & South New Britain cover the best of PNG. Spectacular diving adventures guaranteed! Page 16: Papua New Guinea - M/V Solomon PNG Master

17 Image Robert Wilpernig Image Robert Wilpernig Image Robert Wilpernig Bikini Atoll Here is your chance to dive the exclusive, alltime favourite tec-wreck destination on the planet: Bikini Atoll. Post-WWII, the US military tested the effects of different atomic bombs on battleships, submarines, destroyers and the illustrious 270m-long USS Saratoga aircraft carrier. For instance; the IJN Nagato; a super powerful and versatile battleship, the first warship to be armed with 16-inch guns, was the Imperial Japanese Navy s flagship. The 221m-long Nagato was seized when the Japanese surrendered to the Allied Forces in The American dreadnought USS Arkansas measures 171 metres and is armed with twelve 12-inch guns. She served in both World Wars. During the atomic test in 1946 she was supposedly lifted up vertically within the blast column. She sank completely only 19 minutes after the blast, ending almost completely upside down on the sandy bottom at 55 metres depth. Submarine USS Apogon found her final resting place completely intact at a depth of 48 meters. Explore the conning tower, viewing binoculars on the bridge, and propellers covered by red sponges. Nowhere in the world will you find a similar collection of sunken historic warships. More than 60 years later, the wrecks are just as impressive; they have become home to many kinds of corals and fish species. Image Robert Wilpernig Page 17: Bikini Atoll - M/V Truk Master

18 Image Super Jolly Image Werner Thiele Image Aaron Wong Truk Lagoon Truk Lagoon is the wreck diving capital of the world, with more than 60 wrecks tightly packed into a coral reef lagoon. Diving Truk Lagoon offers a superb range of sites for both recreational and technical divers. There are at least 60 wrecks known to have sunk in the lagoon during Operation Hailstone in 1944, from supply vessels (Maru) to planes and a submarine. Many historical artefacts such as medicine bottles and newspapers along with articles of war, which include aircraft Image Aaron Wong wings for the Zero Fighter planes, tanks, guns, gas masks and ammunition, can still be found at many of the sites. Whilst the wrecks themselves are encrusted with corals, you can clearly see telegraphs, steering columns and mounted guns. A Truk Lagoon signature dive, the Fujikawa Maru, was an armed cargo ship carrying Zero Fighter airplane parts such as propeller blades, wings and engine parts. These can still be found inside the holds. The wreck is now fully covered in hard and soft corals, anemones, and sea fans. History has never been more colourful or alive. There is also the opportunity to explore engine rooms and holds of some of the wrecks. If you fancy a change of scenery; the wrecks in Truk Lagoon are surrounded by flourishing coral reefs. Check out the excellent coral pinnacles and explore the deep channels with schooling pelagic fish too! Page 18: Truk Lagoon

19 Built from steel and with a cruising speed of 10 knots, M/V Truk Master welcomes you on board for dive safaris to not one, but two of the world s best wreck diving destinations: Truk Lagoon and Bikini Atoll. Our three decks provide ample space for you to dive and relax, with all the comfort and space for your recreational and technical dive equipment, as well as your underwater cameras and equipment. M/V Truk Master also offers Tec diving facilities for those wishing to delve deeper in the wrecks and take a closer look at history. Our experienced dive crew is ready and waiting to show you all the mysterious wrecks of Truk Lagoon and Bikini Atoll. The entire boat crew will go out of their way to provide you with the best service you have ever experienced on a liveaboard holiday. In between dives, indulge yourself in the delicacies made by our chef while relaxing at the sun deck or in the comfortable indoor lounge. Flybridge Upper Deck Image Aaron Wong Technical Specifications... Image Aaron Wong Main Deck Vessel Facilities... Guests: 16 Diving Facilities... Equipment Rental: Technical Information... Length: 37 Metres Safety Equipment... First Aid: Fixed Twin Cabins: 4 Underwater Scooters: Breadth: 7 Metres First Aiders: Twin/Double Cabins: 4 Nitrox Membrane: Engines: Emergency Oxygen: En-Suite: Photography Friendly: Generators: 4 x Oxygen Administrators: Air-Conditioning: Tec Diving Friendly: Construction Material: Steel Life Jackets: Towels and Bathrobes: Rebreather Friendly: Desalination Units: 20 tonnes Life Rafts: Personal Safe: Saloon: Dining Room: Compressors: Tenders: Guides: Latest Update/Refit 2016 VHF Ship to Tender Radios: Fire Fighting Equipment: Smoke Detectors: Lower Deck Page 19: M/V Truk Master

20 Special Trips Go even further in your dive adventure! Master Liveaboards supports and hosts both professional underwater photographers and NGOs that focus on marine conservation. Each yacht is designed to meet all underwater photographers needs; offering dedicated camera preparation areas with plenty of charging points and large rinse tanks. We also encourage our guests to assist in valuable NGO research while diving some of the best sites, for example with Project Shark. Underwater Photography Liveaboard Diving Workshops In 2017, we are pleased to welcome back our repeat hosts from the Siren Fleet, Gerald Rambert and Alex Mustard, who will share their knowledge and give you some useful tips on how to improve your underwater photography skills. Whether you are a beginner, or a more experienced photographer, you can benefit from our photo pros experience and advice. You will also benefit from being amongst like-minded individuals in your dive group. Our pros work on a range of subjects, from camera set-up and composition, all the way through to editing. There will be individual in-water instruction as well as betweendive coaching to ensure you develop your own techniques and style. Project Shark Red Sea In the Egyptian Red Sea, Project Shark s research focuses on the biology and behaviour of various endangered shark species. You will also learn about shark research methods by attending evening presentations on board the vessel, and you can help to collect and analyse this research data. If you have an active interest in preserving the marine environment, and enjoy diving on some of the best Red Sea dive sites, this is the trip for you! Project Shark Maldives Project Shark in the Maldives has broadened its research from sharks to include both manta rays and whale sharks. Get to learn about the marine biology and behaviour of sharks, manta rays and whale sharks. You can actively assist by sending your photos to be compared with an existing database of 5,000 manta rays. If there is a match, you will receive information on the whereabouts of the ray and its name. If you spot a new manta ray, you will get to name it. Meanwhile, you will be diving some of the best sites of Maldives: North Male, South Male, Felidhu, Meemu, and South Ari. Image Wendy Capili Wilkie & Sam s Tours Palau Page 20: Master Liveaboards Special Trips

21 Image Marcel Wilpernig Image Atmosphere Kanifushi Resort Image Robert Wilpernig Image Robert Wilpernig Travel and Tours The team at Master Liveaboards offer a full range of domestic flights, hotels, resorts, tour and transfer options when you book your liveaboard diving safari. Simply select your destination and review the information on our website. Our reservations team will also provide you with a full trip information sheet upon inquiry. Why not add something onto your cruise to make it extra special? For those visiting the Galapagos Islands, mainland Ecuador has something for everyone. For those who love nature, the country boasts an incredible variety of landscapes and ecosystems, from the Andes, to tropical rainforests and world-class beach resorts. To get your fill of culture, the museums, villages and Ecuadorian history and crafts will offer you an insight into this ancient land. If French Polynesia is your choice then why not make the most of your travel by adding a land-based extension to your holiday? Tahiti is home to some of the world s most spectacular scenery and taking a tour or simply renting a jeep will allow you to access the natural wonders of the island. If you have not had enough of the water, add on a humpback whale spotting trip or tiger shark feeding to make the perfect trip complete! While the majority of Truk s modern history is below the surface, there is plenty of it still visible on land as well. We can organise WW2 tours for you, to get a complete picture on what happened on these islands during the war. Or why not combine your M/V Truk Master experience with a combined trip aboard S/Y Palau Siren? You could also consider a land-based stay in Yap, where it is possible to spot manta rays all year round. When it comes to tourist attractions above the water, Egypt needs no introduction. Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx and experience one of the greatest architectural feats of man. Alternatively, head south to explore the treasures of Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. In Luxor, do not miss Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Combine Luxor with Aswan and Abu Simbel, which is probably the most recognised monument of ancient Egypt, attracting visitors since Victorian times. For a more intense adventure, explore the desert by horse, quad or 4x4 luxury safari. Take in the beautiful views and landscapes, visit typical Bedouin settlements and to top your Egyptian experience off, dine under the stars. The Maldives is well-known for beautiful island resorts, offering fantastic diving either straight from shore, on the house reef, or by day boat. Providing a range of resorts in both the north and south, whether you are interested in diving or want to splash out on luxury accommodation, we will be able to find you the perfect sanctuary. In between diving, take advantage of the range of activities that most resorts in the Maldives can offer. Canoe, windsurf, or practise your volleyball skills, whilst immersing yourself into the Maldivian culture. Alternatively, take this opportunity to explore neighbouring Sri Lanka on your way home. When you hear Bahamas, you automatically think of sunshine and beaches, both of which are readily available across Grand Bahama and the surrounding islands. While you are relaxing by the sea, you could also indulge in the multitude of watersports available such as kayaking, island tours, snorkelling and surfing. If you want a change from the water then you can visit historical sites such as Wyannie Malone Museum or Elbow Cay Lighthouse or even head across to Nassau for a rum and food walking tour or some dolphin watching. Contact our travel team for more information on these trips and more with Master Liveaboards. Image Daniel Norwood Page 21: Master Liveaboards Travel and Tours

22 Aaron Wong Saeed Rashid