NBM Dive Site Resource
John Dobilas Reef
Garden State North Reef, New Jersey, United States
A distinct NJDEP-mapped ship, barge or vessel-related deployment within the Garden State North Reef area, retained separately from the surrounding permit-area profile.
Save this dive site to your free member profile.
Historic Picture Placeholder
Aquatic life at this dive site
What divers may encounter
Three reviewed connections are featured here. Sightings vary by season, conditions, and chance, so they are never guaranteed.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Site media
Photographs
Three views rotate from the published gallery on each visit.
Contributor media
Dive videos
Three featured video positions are reserved on every profile.Published reference location
Location map
The marker shows the public coordinates associated with this profile. Confirm current access, moorings, and departure details before the dive.Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Recent field observations
Diver-reported temperatures
Automatically checked observations from dives during the past 14 days. Three reports are visible at a time; scroll for more.A report that passes the automatic checks will appear here with the dive date, diver’s display name, and temperatures at each depth.
Reports are automatically checked for plausible dates, depths, and temperatures. They are observations, not forecasts; confirm conditions before diving.
Connected artificial-reef collection
Deployment history
This dive site is included in the deployed Artificial Reefs search, where deployment records and connected news updates are gathered together.
Why divers know this place
Highlights
165' Tanker - "John Dobilas"; approximately 165 ft long; deployed 1996; sponsor: Friends of John Dobilas; McGraw-Hill Foundation; NJ Army National Guard
Before you arrive
Access notes
NJDEP deployment coordinates are planning references, not a substitute for current navigation. Display required dive flags, avoid active fishing operations and use a descent/ascent plan suited to current.
Plan within your training
Conditions and hazards
Current, low visibility, cold water, depth, decompression obligation, boat traffic, entanglement, fishing gear, sharp or unstable wreckage and overheads. No penetration without specific training, equipment and a site-specific plan.
At the site
Facilities and support
No onsite facilities; support is vessel-based. Confirm oxygen, ladder, communications, gas capability and evacuation planning.
Independent resource notice
This record is a starting point for independent verification. Access, closures, moorings, weather, currents, depth, visibility, operator availability, and site conditions can change without notice. Confirm current information with the responsible operator, property owner, managing authority, or another qualified local source before planning or attempting a dive.