Built in 1988 as a passenger launch under yard No MD36 by S.B.F., Engineering at Fremantle W.A., Australia for Melanesian Tourist Services Pty., Ltd., Madang, Papua New Guinea.
Launched under the name MELANESIAN DISCOVERER.
Tonnage 628 gross, 188 net, 50 dwt., dim. 35.75 x 15 x 1.58m. (draught).
Powered by two Caterpillar Ve Oil 4 SA each 12 cylinders, 634 bhp., two shafts, speed 14.5 knots.
Twin hull of aluminum alloy.
Passenger accommodation 42, 50 berths in 25 cabins. Crew 18.
September 1988 completed.
1976, Melanesian Tourist Services purchased the first of four vessels to operate expeditionary cruises in PNG, the first was the SEPIK EXPLORER, then SEPIK EXPLORER II followed by the MELANESIAN EXPLORER and in 1988 they introduced the MELANESIAN DISCOVERER.
Melanesian was the first company to pioneer the concept of expeditions along the Sepik River. The MELANESIAN DISCOVERER can cruise for 30 days without the need to take on fuel and water. It is fast comfortable and equipped with five tenders and a helicopter (subject to conditions). The vessel is entirely air-conditioned and its facilities include a library, in-house television system, cocktail bar, luxurious lounge, covered deck space, a dive shop, laundry, gift shop and restaurant.
Satellite telephones are located in each cabin and all 25 cabins have private bathrooms and PA systems. It is the only vessel of its kind in PNG.
The MELANESIAN DISCOVERER was designed specifically to suit PNG conditions and to meet the demands of a true expeditionary cruise operation. It is the only small ship in Papua New Guinea capable of operating regular cruises up the entire length of the Sepik River, as well as to the Islands.
2006 Sold to Ecrolight Pty Ltd., Cairns, Australia, renamed in OCEAN QUESTII.
2010 As given by http://www.equasis.org Out of class, same name and owner. IMO No 8717398.
Papua New Guinea 1994 21t sg747, scott852.
Source: Watercraft Philately 2003 page 25.