Meet the site
Two light ships – small, heavily built vessels that once carried navigation lights to mark shoals and channels – were retired and sunk as part of the Cochrane Artificial Reef. Marinelife.org.au lists two light ships among the structures on the reef, and GoodDive gives the site as '2 Light Ships', placed in 2000 in about 18 m, with abundant marine life.
Light ships make good small wrecks: they are short and round-hulled, so each can be circled in a few minutes, leaving time to look closely at the growth on the hull and the fish sheltering beneath it. Two decades underwater have covered them in sponges, soft coral and algae. Expect the same cast as elsewhere on the Cochrane reef – estuary cod and gropers, schools of baitfish, wobbegongs resting against the hull, turtles and stingrays on the sand – and perhaps a manta ray passing in winter.
Information about these structures is limited to brief listings; their exact layout, orientation and position are not published, so dives here are usually guided by Bundaberg Aqua Scuba or by locals who hold the marks. At 18 m on the sand they suit Open Water divers with good air consumption, and Advanced divers on nitrox will get a longer look.
The light ships are a good second dive after the larger Ceratodus II or combined with the aircraft if visibility is good enough to swim between structures. As with every structure on this reef, look out for fishing line and do not enter enclosed spaces.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Light Ships (Cochrane Artificial Reef) is recorded as Wreck in Bundaberg & Agnes Water. The listed access is boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Light Ships (Cochrane Artificial Reef) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Light Ships (Cochrane Artificial Reef) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Estuary cod, gropers, baitfish, wobbegongs, turtles, stingrays, sponges, soft corals
Location
Two decommissioned light ships (navigation light vessels) placed on the Cochrane Artificial Reef around 2000 in about 18 m.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
gooddive.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.