Saurian and Unnamed Telfor (Stanvac) Barges Double Wreck Dive (Advanced Open Water)

The Saurian, scuttled in 1954, was originally built for dredging work in the Fitzroy River. In 1906 Saurian was towed from Rockhampton, Qld, to SA and operated as a dredge until 1929 when it was condemned and converted for use as a coal lighter. On 24 November 1954, Saurian was scrapped and scuttled with two Telfor barges 5 km off the Port Stanvac Refinery.

The vessels, which form an artificial reef on an otherwise featureless bottom, have become a haven for marine life. Today the three vessels (known locally as 'The Stanvac Barges') lie upright on the sandy bottom in approximately 27 m of water. They form a north east to south west line, with the two smaller barges (north east) approximately 33m apart and Saurian (south west) 100m further away. The wire rope used to tow them to the site can still be seen attached to the bollards on all three vessels.

Diving these wrecks requires an Advanced Open Water rating or a Deep Diver specialty.

Boats depart from the lovely back deck of Adelaide Scuba. Please check in inside the shop on or before the start time of the tour. 

An Advanced Dive tour is usually a full day, we recommend bringing some snacks or a light lunch on the boat. 

All of our vessels are equipped with:

• Toilets
• Hot & cold water showers
• Drinking water
• Tea & Coffee
• Light Snacks
• Shark Shields
• All necessary safety equipment including Emergency O2, life rafts and float free EPIRB's

Our boat insurance requires all divers to have logged a dive within 6 the past months

Please make sure you arrive with a logbook or evidence of your last logged dive.

We DO NOT hire masks, snorkels and SMB's.

If you do not have your own mask and snorkel, you can purchase one in-store the morning of your dive.

If you do not have your own SMB, you can purchase one in-store the morning of your dive. (If you are using a rental BCD, there will be one in your pocket)

Our Boat Dives costs are as follows:

• Double Boat Dive: $129
• Double Boat Dive with 2x Tanks: $179
• Double Boat Dive with full gear (minus mask and snorkel) & 2x Tanks: $209

To book onto a boat dive, we require these details:

• Full Name:
• Contact number:
• Diving Certification:
• Number of Dives:
• Date of last dive:
• Hire Gear Needed:
• Do you have an SMB?:
• Would you like to buddy with the guide?:

If you have any more questions please let us know!