HMAS Canberra

HMAS Canberra (FFG-02) was a long-range escort frigate with roles including area air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance, and interdiction. The Ship could simultaneously counter threats from the air, surface and sub-surface.


Wreck Map | Aerial Map

Launched on 1 December 1978 at Todd Pacific Shipyard Corporation in Seattle, USA, HMAS Canberra was commissioned on 21 March 1981 and participated in numerous operations, including Operation DAMASK following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait (November 1992 to March 1993), Operation BRANCARD to evacuate Australian nationals from Jakarta (May 1998), and Operation SLIPPER (March to July 2002) as part of the international coalition against terrorism. She was decommisioned on the 15th of November 2005. The HMAS Canberra is 138.1 meters in length with a beam of 14.3 metres. Weighing 4100 tonnes with a cruising speed of more than 30 knots, the ship could accommodate upto 221 naval personnel.


The HMAS Canberra will be sunk by the Birdon Group in late 2009 and will be a tremendous dive destination for local and international divers. Divers will be able to access the superstructure of all decks and the highlights will include the captain's cabin, the bridge, galley, mess decks and operations room. These areas will be left as intact as possible to create additional interest for divers, plus nooks and crannies for creatures to hide. To dive the Canberra you will need to have an Open Water qualification as a minimum and need to carry a safety sausage and torch at all times. The Canberra will be very swell dependant so I would recommend diving on days with the swell at around the 1m mark.
For more information and updates on the HMAS Canberra logon to www.peninsuladive.com.au or www.hmascanberra.com.au