ASSIMI III - Southern Islands

Assimi III, for us, is hands down the best wreck dive in Singapore. It’s a proper ship, not just a collection of scattered metal, and its history adds a layer of intrigue. We love dropping down onto the massive tanker, its sheer scale impressive even after all these years underwater. You can really feel the cold thermocline at 20-25 meters on the descent, a stark contrast to the warmer surface, before the wreck gradually emerges from the gloom. The fire in the engine room back in '68 left a dramatic mark, and exploring that area is our favourite part. It’s completely stripped, open to the elements, and light filters through in eerie shafts. We’ve found huge schools of fusiliers here, so thick they almost block out the light, darting around the superstructure. Look out for the resident batfish and emperor snappers, often lurking in the deeper, darker sections. Be mindful of the currents; they can pick up quickly, especially around the bow and stern, so good buoyancy control is key. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate a bit of mystery and a tangible piece of maritime history.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.060025, 104.205200
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
33m

Wreck History - ASSIMI III

Year Sunk
1968
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
fire

The ASSIMI III was a tanker built in 1955 at the Framnaes Mekaniske Verksted in Sandefjord, Norway, a shipyard known for its robust whaling ships and tankers. For thirteen years, she served her commercial duties, eventually coming under the ownership of the St. Grigorusa Maritime Co. In April 1968, while on a passage from Tandjung Uban, Indonesia, to Saigon, Vietnam, disaster struck. A fire erupted in the engine room, quickly growing beyond the crew's control.

Despite efforts to extinguish the blaze, the ship was lost and sank on April 29, 1968. Today, the ASSIMI III rests at a depth of 33 meters in the busy shipping lanes south of Singapore. Dives on this wreck are subject to strong currents and variable visibility, making it a challenging but rewarding experience for advanced divers. The vessel is largely intact, offering opportunities for penetration for those with the proper training, and its structure has become an artificial reef for a variety of local marine species.

Best Time to Dive in Southern Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Southern Islands occur in January, averaging 28.2°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.2°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • February: 28.2°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • March: 28.2°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • April: 28.2°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • May: 28.2°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • June: 28.2°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • July: 28.2°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • August: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • September: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • October: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • November: 28.2°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • December: 28.2°C (air: 26.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Southern Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to ASSIMI III

Marine Life in Southern Islands

Home to 284 recorded species including 179 reef fish, 46 hard corals, 17 seagrass & algae, 13 sharks & rays, 8 sea snails & nudibranchs, 6 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ASSIMI III

Based on average water temperature of 28.2°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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 maximum depth of the R/V Deep Stim III dive site?
The provided data context details the ASSIMI III dive site, not R/V Deep Stim III. Therefore, we do not have information regarding the maximum depth of the R/V Deep Stim III dive site. For the ASSIMI III wreck, located in Southern Islands, Singapore, the maximum depth is 33 meters.
What kind of marine life and features can divers expect to see at the R/V Deep Stim III artificial reef?
The provided data context describes the ASSIMI III wreck, not R/V Deep Stim III, and it is classified as a wreck, not an artificial reef. We do not have specific information on marine life for either site in the provided data. Divers at ASSIMI III can explore a 161m x 19.6m tanker vessel, sunk in 1968, which is classified as a dangerous wreck.
How challenging is diving the R/V Deep Stim III wreck, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The provided data context pertains to the ASSIMI III wreck, not R/V Deep Stim III. Diving the ASSIMI III is rated as intermediate difficulty and is classified as a dangerous wreck. This suggests it is not suitable for all experience levels, particularly novice divers.
When is the best time of year to dive the R/V Deep Stim III for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data context is for the ASSIMI III wreck, not R/V Deep Stim III. We do not have specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine life sightings for either site in the provided data. For general guidance on diving in Singapore, you might consult our When to Dive resources.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the R/V Deep Stim III?
The provided data context is for the ASSIMI III wreck, not R/V Deep Stim III. While specific certifications are not listed, given its intermediate difficulty, 33-meter depth, and classification as a dangerous wreck, advanced certifications like Advanced Open Water Diver and Wreck Diver are highly recommended for ASSIMI III. Divers should also ensure they have appropriate equipment and experience for such conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the R/V Deep Stim III dive site?
The provided data context describes the ASSIMI III wreck, not R/V Deep Stim III. We do not have specific information regarding typical current conditions or visibility for either site in the provided data. Divers planning to visit the Southern Islands of Singapore should always check local conditions before diving.