In 2027, Shearwater along with Dirty Dozen Expeditions is charting a course to one of the most legendary wreck diving destinations on Earth—Truk Lagoon. With advanced depth profiles, complex penetrations, and the haunting beauty of WWII wrecks waiting below, this expedition promises to be both challenging and unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned CCR diver or preparing for your first deep dive into the Pacific’s ghost fleet, this trip offers unparalleled access, expert guidance, and cutting-edge tech support from some of the most respected names in diving.
While we are still over a year away from embarking on this adventure, now is the time to start preparing your body, mind, and gear. Dirty Dozen Expedition Leader and Founder Aron Arngrimsson gives us some expert advice on how to prepare and what to expect.
How to Prepare as a Technical/CCR Diver Joining the Trip
Truk Lagoon is a dream destination for technical and CCR divers, however, we will be doing some more advanced depth profiles and penetrations, which, along with the remote location, require thorough preparation.
Training & Experience:
• Make sure you’re certified to the appropriate level — most of Truk’s signature wrecks (e.g. San Francisco Maru, Nippo Maru) sit well into the 40–60m range. We also require all divers planning unguided penetrations to hold an overhead certification (Advanced/Technical Wreck or Full Cave).
• Get some practice dives in similar conditions, ideally wreck penetration dives using the same configuration you will use during the trip.
Checks & Redundancy:
• Service your rebreather and regs well in advance, and make sure to dive your gear again after service and before the trip.
• Bring a full complement of spare parts, including extra O₂ cells, o-rings, suit seals, etc. We encourage team members to coordinate team spares.
Physiological Prep:
• Brush up on decompression theory and ascent procedures, ensure you understand the nuances of the gas mixes you will be diving as well as understanding your choice of gradient factor, PPO2 set points, etc.
• Hydrate, get rest pre-trip, and prepare for conservative profiles — especially on long, repetitive deep dives.
How Dirty Dozen Supports Team Members
Pre-Trip Communication & Logistics:
• We send out detailed trip information (itineraries, recommended skill level, packing lists, and travel planning recommendations).
• We arrange team gas logistics, ensuring CCR divers have appropriate gases and bailout options waiting on the boat.
• We hold 2 pre-trip Zoom meetings to discuss planning and logistics with the team.
• We host a WhatsApp group for team members to chat, plan, and to support last-minute questions.
Team member preparation as a tech diver — properly tuned kit and up-to-date skills is the first part. Dirty Dozen takes care of the rest, making sure all the logistics, gases, and expertise are in place so you can focus on enjoying these world-class wrecks.
Outside of the diving, what are some other highlights participants can expect on a Dirty Dozen Expedition to Truk Lagoon?
On a Dirty Dozen Expedition, the experience goes far beyond underwater adventures. Here’s what participants can look forward to:
Safety First - We give technical briefings before every dive, tailored to deep wreck dives, with maps, history, and penetration routes. We also offer optional dedicated tech dive guides who know the wrecks inside out, can help you plan runtimes, and monitor safety protocols. During the trip, we prioritise safety, encourage discussion on conservatism, safe dive profiles, and self-care during the expedition.
Every diver must complete a SPLASH Check before each dive to ensure life-critical equipment considerations are not compromised. And our onboard crew is trained to support rebreather divers, with plenty of experience and training in gas blending, logistics, and emergency support.
With a small, like-minded group of divers and an experienced crew, the trip has a friendly, collaborative atmosphere. You’ll bond over shared stories, plan future dives together, and make new friendships that last long after the trip. Surrounded by tech and CCR divers, you’ll also pick up a ton of practical knowledge — from gas management to gear optimization — making this trip feel like a masterclass in technical diving.
The Odyssey liveaboard becomes a welcoming home base — great food, comfortable cabins, plenty of deck space for cameras and rebreathers, and a crew that looks after every detail. Not only that. but we will offer evening presentations on the fascinating history of the lagoon, ship specifications, and personal stories of those who served on these vessels.
Truk Lagoon is an idyllic tropical setting. Spend surface intervals on deck, soaking up stunning ocean views, gorgeous sunrises, and lush green islands all around. Get prepared for an epic dive adventure!
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Aron Arngrimsson
Aron started diving in 2005 in an attempt to break away from the rat race. Since then, his passion for technical diving exploration has led him to some of the best diving locations in the world. Aron has owned and operated several high profile technical diving operations, written for dive publications and training organizations, developed products with industry leading manufacturers and has regularly helped organizations develop training outlines. Aron has filmed documentaries and commercials along with hosting numerous TV and film productions including National Geographic, Dive Odyssey and Monty Halls and is now the co-founder of our sister company, Dirty Dozen Productions.
One of Aron’s personal highlights was a wreck discovery of the USCGC Alexander Hamilton at 95m/311ft, 20 miles off the coast of Reykjavik in 2011. The team conducted a deep exploration dive and then, after communicating with the US Coast Guard and the families of the fallen men, attached a memorial plaque on the ship in 2013. Aron is a active member of The Explorers Club, where he serves as Chapter Chair for the Middle East Chapter.
