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Mellieha · Malta · Mediterranean
Max. depth · 80 mP31 Wreck, Comino: exploring a Cold War patrol boat
The P31, a former East German patrol boat, rests upright at 18 metres, offering extensive penetration opportunities within a 52-meter hull.
What makes this site special
- 52-meter patrol boat wreck
- Max depth of 18 metres
- Numerous internal passages for penetration
- Accessible for all certified diver levels
- Generally calm conditions and good visibility
- Wreck rests upright on the seabed
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P31 about the site
The P31 wreck lies just west of Comino, in an area known as tal-Matz. This 52-meter patrol boat was an East German Kondor class vessel before its service with the Armed Forces of Malta, eventually scuttled in 2009. The wreck sits upright on a sandy bottom, providing clear orientation and a stable structure for exploration. You typically initiate the dive from the surface directly above the wreck, descending onto the bow or stern depending on the boat's mooring, allowing immediate engagement with the structure at manageable depths.
Upon descent, the wreck’s superstructure immediately comes into view, its outline distinct against the clear water. The deepest part of the wreck reaches 18 metres, but much of the deck and main access points are shallower, around 10-15 metres. The P31 is remarkable for the extent of its intact structure, allowing for multiple penetration routes, from the wheelhouse to the engine room. These internal spaces are kept clear of obstructions, designed for safe entry and exit, even for divers gaining experience with overhead environments.
Exploring the P31 involves navigating through various compartments, each revealing aspects of its former life as a patrol boat. You can trace the outlines of its command bridge, peer into the crew quarters, and observe the main living areas, all now open to the marine environment. The large, open decks provide ample space to manoeuvre, giving you time to observe the details of the hull and the beginning stages of soft coral growth that are starting to colonise the metal surfaces. Visibility here often allows for a full appreciation of the wreck’s scale from a slight distance.
The P31’s design with multiple entry and exit points contributes to its accessibility. Its intended purpose as an artificial reef means that safety has been a primary consideration in its preparation, with efforts made to remove potential hazards. This intentional scuttling and preparation makes it a less intimidating wreck than some, providing a solid platform for developing wreck diving skills. The current is generally mild around the P31, making it easier to hold position and focus on navigation and observation within and around the wreck structure.
Diving conditions
The P31 wreck is accessible to divers of all certification levels, with an average dive depth of 18 metres. The site is known for generally calm conditions, with minimal current, making it suitable for divers consolidating their skills. Visibility often exceeds 20 metres, offering clear views of the entire wreck.
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Frequently asked questions about P31
What certification level do you need to dive the P31 wreck?
You can dive the P31 wreck at any certified diver level. Its upright position, manageable depths, stable structure, and clear entry and exit points make it suitable for divers consolidating their skills. You can explore the open decks and begin developing wreck diving abilities without facing an intimidating site.
How deep is the P31 wreck for your dive?
The P31 wreck reaches a maximum depth of 18 metres, while much of the deck and main access points lie around 10 to 15 metres. You descend directly onto the wreck from above, reaching the bow or stern before exploring its upright structure on the sandy seabed.
What current conditions should you expect at the P31 wreck?
You can generally expect calm conditions and minimal current at the P31 wreck. The mild current makes it easier to hold your position while navigating around and inside the structure. This allows you to concentrate on observation, orientation, and developing your wreck diving skills during the exploration.
What can you see while diving the P31 wreck?
You can explore the upright 52-metre patrol boat, including its wheelhouse, engine room, command bridge, crew quarters, living areas, and large open decks. Numerous internal passages offer penetration routes, while clear visibility reveals the wreck’s full outline. You can also see soft coral beginning to colonise its metal surfaces.
