STEEL VENDOR - Palawan

The Steel Vendor, resting off Palawan, isn't one of those wrecks that immediately screams "historic." She was a steamship, sunk in '71 after boiler trouble, a cargo vessel measuring a solid 150 metres. What we find interesting is how much of her remains, especially the superstructure. You can weave through the holds, imagining her last voyage from Manila to Saigon. Over the years, schooling fish have made her home, darting around the massive beams, and we’ve spotted giant trevally patrolling the deeper sections. It’s a great site for divers who appreciate exploring a larger structure, less about the grand history and more about the scale and the marine life that's slowly reclaimed it.

Location
Palawan, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
10.701667, 114.315000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Best Time to Dive in Palawan

The warmest water temperatures in Palawan occur in January, averaging 29.0°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 29.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.0°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • February: 29.0°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • March: 29.0°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • April: 29.0°C (air: 28.6°C)
  • May: 29.0°C (air: 29.1°C)
  • June: 29.0°C (air: 28.5°C)
  • July: 29.0°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • August: 29.0°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • September: 29.0°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • October: 29.0°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • November: 29.0°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • December: 29.0°C (air: 27.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Palawan

Marine Life in Palawan

Home to 6 recorded species including 2 other, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 whales & dolphins, 1 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for STEEL VENDOR

Based on average water temperature of 29.0°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the Steel Forest dive site?
The Steel Vendor wreck offers diving opportunities starting from 0 meters, indicating that portions of the wreck may break the surface or are very shallow. As a 150m long steam ship, the full depth range would extend downwards from this point, though the maximum depth is not specified in the provided data. Divers can explore the superstructure and hull of this significant vessel.
What kind of marine life and underwater structures can divers expect to see at Steel Forest?
Divers exploring the Steel Vendor can expect to encounter a substantial underwater structure, as it is a 150m long steam ship wreck built in 1944. The site is classified as a wreck showing any portion of its hull or superstructure, providing extensive areas for exploration. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks typically become artificial reefs, attracting a variety of marine species over time.
How difficult is the Steel Forest dive site, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Steel Vendor dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience beyond basic open water certification. It is recommended that divers are comfortable with wreck diving techniques and potentially deeper or more challenging conditions, though specific requirements are not listed.
When is the best time of year to dive at Steel Forest for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the Steel Vendor dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in the Philippines or Palawan, you may want to consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Steel Forest?
Given the Steel Vendor is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, it is highly recommended that divers possess certifications beyond entry-level, such as Advanced Open Water Diver. While specific certifications are not listed, specialized training like a Wreck Diver certification would be beneficial for safely exploring this 150m steam ship.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions like at the Steel Forest dive site?
The provided data for the Steel Vendor dive site does not include details on usual current or visibility conditions. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on these environmental factors.