HMS BLACKWOOD - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Blackwood is a proper deep dive, sitting bolt upright at 56 metres. We consider it a standout for a reason. This Captain-class frigate, a loan-lease from the US Navy, met its end in 1944. Dropping down, you’ll first hit the deck, then swim along her considerable length. At over 90 metres, it’s a big wreck. The turbines are still largely intact, a testament to her robust build. Visibility can be a real gamble here. On a good day, you might get 10-15 metres, and the light filtering down gives the wreck a moody, almost ghostly presence. On a murkier dive, the sheer scale of the hull emerging from the gloom is just as dramatic. We always advise timing your dive for slack water; the currents around here can be fierce, making for a challenging, if exhilarating, drift over the decks. Life has well and truly taken hold. Expect to find conger eels peering from every nook, their heads as thick as your thigh. There are often schools of pouting swarming the superstructure, and we’ve seen some hefty lobsters tucked into crevices. This isn't a dive for the faint-hearted or inexperienced, but for advanced technical divers, the Blackwood offers a genuinely rewarding exploration into a significant piece of wartime history. It’s a dive that stays with you, especially when you consider her story.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.208890, -2.242500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
56m

Marine Protected Area: West of Wight-Barfleur

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 HMS BLACKWOOD

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 HMS BLACKWOOD

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 HMS Blackwood dive site?
The HMS Blackwood dive site has a maximum depth of 56 meters. This deep wreck offers an exciting challenge for divers exploring the waters off Cornwall & Devon.
What can divers expect to see when exploring the HMS Blackwood wreck?
Divers exploring the HMS Blackwood can expect to encounter a well-preserved frigate vessel, measuring 91.4m x 10.7m. This 'Captain' Class frigate, built in 1942, features turbine engines, twin shafts, and remnants of its original armament, including 2 x 4 inch LA and 6 x 20mm HA guns. As a non-dangerous wreck, it provides a fascinating historical exploration opportunity.
How challenging is diving the HMS Blackwood wreck, and what skill level is required?
Diving the HMS Blackwood wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its depth of 56 meters and the nature of wreck diving, divers should possess appropriate training and experience for such conditions.
What are the optimal conditions or best time of year to dive the HMS Blackwood?
The provided data does not specify the optimal conditions or best time of year to dive the HMS Blackwood. For general guidance on planning your dive, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section for tips on seasonal conditions in the United Kingdom.
What diving certifications are necessary to dive the HMS Blackwood?
Given the HMS Blackwood is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive to a depth of 56 meters, divers will typically need advanced or technical diving certifications. These certifications ensure you have the necessary training for deep diving and wreck exploration.
Are there strong currents or specific water conditions divers should be aware of at the HMS Blackwood dive site?
The provided data for the HMS Blackwood dive site does not include information on strong currents or specific water conditions. It is always advisable to check local dive reports and consult with experienced dive operators in Cornwall & Devon before planning your dive.