GERMAINE - Cornwall & Devon

The Germaine, she’s a proper ship, isn't she? Lying at 40 metres, upright and mostly intact, she’s our pick for a really good steamship dive in these waters. Drop down the line, and you’ll see her looming out of the gloom, the superstructure often still holding its shape. We love the way she’s been colonised by the sea; expect to find conger eels peering from every nook and cranny, and often a decent sized monkfish settled on the deck. The boilers are still there, a massive feature near the stern, and there's usually a lobster or two scuttling around their bases. It's a deep one, so definitely for those comfortable with their deco procedures, but the visibility here can be surprisingly good, especially on a neap tide, making the whole experience feel less like a plunge into the unknown and more like a gentle drift over history. Her bow faces north-west, and on a calm day, you can really take your time exploring the length of her, imagining her final moments back in 1918.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.614517, -4.930533
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Marine Protected Area: Pentire Peninsula

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to GERMAINE

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for GERMAINE

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°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 maximum depth of the Germaine dive site?
The maximum depth of the Germaine dive site is 40 meters. This depth makes it an exciting dive for those with appropriate training and experience.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Germaine?
Divers exploring the Germaine can expect to encounter the impressive features of a 75m x 10.4m steam ship vessel. Key components include two boilers, a triple expansion engine of 177NHP, and a single shaft, all built by NE Marine Engineering. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting diverse aquatic species.
How challenging is diving the Germaine wreck, and what level of experience is recommended?
Diving the Germaine wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have prior experience with wreck diving or deeper dives to safely and enjoyably explore this site.
What are the optimal conditions or time of year to dive the Germaine for the best experience?
The provided data does not specify optimal conditions or the best time of year to dive the Germaine. For general guidance on diving conditions in the Cornwall & Devon region, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Germaine wreck?
Given the maximum depth of 40 meters and its intermediate difficulty, divers will typically need certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver or a Deep Diver specialty to safely explore the Germaine wreck. Always ensure your certification level matches the demands of the dive.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Germaine dive site?
The provided data for the Germaine dive site does not include specific details on typical current or visibility conditions. It is always advisable to check local dive reports and conditions with a dive operator before planning your dive.