HMS SAFEGUARD - South Coast

The HMS Safeguard is one of our favourite Irish wrecks to spend time with, though 'wreck' is almost a misnomer here. We’re talking about a salvage vessel that met its own end on the rocks at Portmagee in 1919. It was built in Southampton, a solid piece of kit at 48.8m long, and it's certainly had a life. What you get today isn't a pristine ship sitting upright, but a wonderfully broken-up collection of hull plates, ribs, and machinery parts scattered across the seafloor. It’s like a giant’s jigsaw puzzle, and the way the light filters through the gaps in the metal, catching the schooling pollack, is something we always appreciate. We love seeing how the kelp has started to take hold on the more exposed sections. Look for the nudibranchs clinging to the anenomes and the blennies darting into crevices. This site is less about penetration and more about exploring the nooks and crannies created by the collapse, making it a good choice for divers who like to take their time and observe the smaller details.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.883335, -10.416667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Puffin Island SPA

Best Time to Dive in South Coast

The warmest water temperatures in South Coast occur in January, averaging 8.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.8°C (air: 7.0°C)
  • February: 8.8°C (air: 8.3°C)
  • March: 8.8°C (air: 8.1°C)
  • April: 8.8°C (air: 9.3°C)
  • May: 8.8°C (air: 11.8°C)
  • June: 8.8°C (air: 14.2°C)
  • July: 8.8°C (air: 15.6°C)
  • August: 8.8°C (air: 15.8°C)
  • September: 8.8°C (air: 14.6°C)
  • October: 8.8°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • November: 8.8°C (air: 9.9°C)
  • December: 8.8°C (air: 8.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in South Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to HMS SAFEGUARD

Marine Life in South Coast

Home to 199 recorded species including 97 reef fish, 24 sharks & rays, 14 whales & dolphins, 14 other, 10 crabs & lobsters, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for HMS SAFEGUARD

Based on average water temperature of 8.8°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 9°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • 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 typical depth range for diving the HMS SAFEGUARD wreck?
The HMS SAFEGUARD wreck is located at a depth of 0m, indicating it is very shallow or even partially exposed. Divers can expect to explore this fascinating wreck right at the surface, making it accessible for various dive profiles.
What marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see on the HMS SAFEGUARD dive site?
While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, divers exploring the HMS SAFEGUARD can expect to encounter the historical structure of this 48.8m x 8.8m trawler. The wreck itself, built in 1914 and sunk in 1919, serves as a significant historical artifact, showcasing portions of its hull and superstructure.
How difficult is the HMS SAFEGUARD dive, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The HMS SAFEGUARD dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond basic certification, offering a rewarding challenge without being overly demanding for advanced divers.
What is the best time of year to dive HMS SAFEGUARD for optimal visibility and weather conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the HMS SAFEGUARD for optimal visibility and weather conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive the HMS SAFEGUARD?
Given the HMS SAFEGUARD is an intermediate difficulty dive, divers should possess at least an advanced open water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures they have the necessary skills and comfort level to safely explore the wreck.
What are the usual current and water conditions like at the HMS SAFEGUARD dive site?
The provided information does not detail the usual current or water conditions at the HMS SAFEGUARD dive site. It is always recommended to check local dive reports and consult with dive operators in Ireland's South Coast for the most current conditions before planning your dive.