Diving atRozi, Cirkewwa (Norte) (Malta)
Descending onto the MV Rozi reveals the imposing silhouette of a former tugboat, its structure resting upright on the sandy seabed. Sea firs and hydroids now tapestry its hull, creating a dynamic surface for marine life. A calm, reflective space unfolds despite its history, with sunlight playing through the water. Its bow extends purposefully towards the open sea, an inviting sight for further exploration.
Starting the day at Rozi, Cirkewwa (Norte), the ambient air temperature is recorded at 22.5°C. Ongoing monitoring shows wave heights measuring 1.4 m. This data represents the current surface conditions for early activities.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
Once a working tugboat in Valletta's Grand Harbour, the MV Rozi ended its operational life to serve a new underwater purpose. Scuttled in 1992, the vessel became an intentional artificial reef for scuba divers, originally a tourist attraction for now-defunct submarine tours.
This approximately 35 m (115 ft) long tugboat rests upright on a sandy bottom. Its stern faces a nearby reef, with the bow extending towards open water. Most of the wreck sits between 30 and 34 m (100-111 ft) of water, making it a site for advanced divers.
A mast begins at 20 m (65 ft), offering a clear visual reference from shallower depths. Easily accessed from shore, the Rozi lies about 130-150 m (425-490 ft) from the Cirkewwa entry point.
The structure remains largely intact; its engine and propeller were removed pre-scuttling to enhance diver safety and accessibility. Combining dives with nearby Cirkewwa attractions like the Patrol Boat P29 wreck and the Cirkewwa Arch is feasible.
Superstructure and bridge are readily accessible, providing penetration options for properly trained individuals.
Rozi, Cirkewwa (Norte)
Conditions are Excellent
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Rozi, Cirkewwa (Norte) show 23° air, 22° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 21 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Generally, planning a Rozi wreck dive proves most comfortable during the warmer months, from June through October. Optimal conditions for site access prevail then, with average air temperatures ranging from 23-28°C (73-82°F) and minimal rainfall, often below 1 mm. Calmer wave heights typically occur in this timeframe, enhancing shore entry and exit, alongside generally better visibility for wreck exploration. September consistently scores 'Good' for diving, averaging 25.5°C (78°F) air temperatures and low rainfall, balancing good conditions with potentially fewer crowds than peak summer. For divers preferring cooler conditions and fewer people, consider shoulder seasons like April-May or November. Air temperatures then range from 17-20°C (63-68°F), though moderate rainfall is more likely. Winter months (December to February) often bring challenging conditions, including higher average wave heights and stronger winds, impacting accessibility and underwater visibility.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Diver experience at the Rozi wreck typically begins with a straightforward shore entry at Cirkewwa, a common starting point for multiple local sites. From the entry, the wreck lies approximately 130-150 m (425-490 ft) offshore, necessitating a surface swim or careful underwater navigation. During summer, a buoy often marks the wreck, aiding direct descent and proving advantageous in stronger currents. A Rozi dive presents an upright tugboat on a sandy bottom; its mast starts at around 20 m, with the main deck at 30-34 m. Visibility varies, often clear, allowing wide-angle photography of the tugboat's structure. Divers frequently circle the intact hull, exploring the superstructure, bridge, or entering the engine room, now filled with natural rock formations. Distinct photographic opportunities exist at the stern, near the reef, and the bow, extending seaward. Currents can be a factor, especially with north-westerly winds; assessing conditions before entering is always advisable.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Diving the Rozi wreck mandates an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent; its maximum depth of 34 m (111 ft) requires advanced skills. Wreck penetration is feasible in accessible areas like the bridge and engine room, but only for divers with appropriate wreck diving training and specialized equipment. While largely intact and well-established, divers must maintain proper buoyancy control. Avoid disturbing the site or stirring up silt, as this reduces visibility for others. Cirkewwa is a popular dive area, so mindfulness of other divers and boats is crucial, particularly during surface swims. As for any potentially exposed location, monitoring weather and sea conditions remains vital. High waves and strong winds significantly impact the safety of shore entry and the dive itself.
Recommended Equipment
Deep dive hazard. Increased narcosis and gas consumption risk.
Overhead / entanglement risk. Wreck penetration requires proper training.
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Wreck Reel
- Cutting Tool
- Hard-soled Dive Boots
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Rozi, Cirkewwa (Norte), Malta. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
Experienced divers often bring flexible gear options.
The water around Rozi, Cirkewwa (Norte) is currently holding at approximately 22°C (71°F), setting the tone for today's dives. Surface air temperatures are resting at 23°C (73°F). Divers who spend longer periods underwater often choose 3-5mm wetsuit. Surface intervals may feel cooler.
A warming trend is expected over the next few days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Due to technical issues with our weather providers, live updates are temporarily delayed. The data above reflects the conditions at the time of the last successful fetch.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to ROZI, Cirkewwa (Norte).
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN Europe.
+39 0642115685- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Closest Listed Hyperbaric Chambers
Showing listed hyperbaric chamber facilities within 200 km of this dive site.
Distances are approximate straight-line distances and may not reflect emergency travel time.
Gozo
24/7 ListedICU CapableVictoria, Malta•Approx. 10 km straight-line
Gozo
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Hyperbaric Unit - Mater Dei Hospital
24/7 ListedICU CapableMsida, Malta•Approx. 19 km straight-line
Hyperbaric Unit - Mater Dei Hospital
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Azienda Ospedaliera per l' Emergenza Cannizzaro
24/7 ListedICU CapableCatania, Italy•Approx. 185 km straight-line
Azienda Ospedaliera per l' Emergenza Cannizzaro
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Marine Life at Rozi, Cirkewwa (Norte)
Marine life flourishes on the Rozi; divers first observe vibrant sea firs and hydroids colonizing its deck and rails, transforming the tugboat into a thriving artificial reef. An established ecosystem attracts numerous species. Colorful nudibranchs are frequently observed on surfaces, providing excellent macro photography subjects. Between the wreck and the adjacent Cirkewwa reef, larger pelagic species like barracuda and dentex are often spotted hunting. Shoals of amberjack and bonito tunas can also move swiftly around the structure, pursuing smaller fish. Various groupers and moray eels have made homes within protected areas and crevices, adding to the dynamic environment.
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Dive Centers Near Rozi, Cirkewwa (Norte)
Working Hours
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Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
What kind of wreck is the Rozi?
The Rozi is a former 35 m (115 ft) tugboat, intentionally scuttled in 1992 to serve as an artificial reef and tourist attraction. It sits upright on a sandy bottom, offering an engaging dive site.
How deep is the Rozi wreck?
The wreck's mast starts at around 20 m, with its main deck resting at a maximum depth of 34 m. This depth range makes it suitable for advanced divers.
Is the Rozi wreck accessible for penetration?
Yes, accessible areas like the superstructure, bridge, and engine room offer penetration possibilities. This should only be attempted by divers with specific wreck diving training and equipment.
How far is the Rozi wreck from the shore entry point?
The wreck is approximately 130-150 m (425-490 ft) from the shore entry at Cirkewwa Point. A surface swim is required to reach the site.
What marine life can I expect to see at the Rozi?
The wreck hosts a variety of marine life, including colorful nudibranchs, groupers, moray eels, barracuda, and occasionally larger pelagic species like amberjack and tuna.
Can the Rozi dive be combined with other sites?
Yes, its proximity to the Patrol Boat P29 wreck and the Cirkewwa Arch makes it a common site to combine with others for extended diving experiences within the same area.
What is the recommended diver qualification for the Rozi wreck?
An Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is recommended for diving the Rozi wreck due to its depth and the potential for currents.
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Rozi, Cirkewwa (Norte)
Conditions are Excellent
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Rozi, Cirkewwa (Norte) show 23° air, 22° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 21 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.