HMS EMPRESS OF INDIA (EX RENOWN) - Cornwall & Devon

The Empress of India, or Renown as she started life, isn’t just a hunk of metal on the seabed, she’s a proper piece of naval history. Dropping down to 42 metres, you hit the bow first, often into a mild current that pushes you gently along her length. We love the sheer scale of her; 115 metres long, you can spend a whole dive exploring just a fraction of the deck. What makes her special for us is how intact she is for a battleship scuttled in 1913. The gun turrets are still prominent, huge structures draped in dead man's fingers and anemones. Look closely in the gloom and you’ll often spot massive conger eels peering out from the deeper recesses. The site can be dark, even on a sunny day, so a good torch is essential for peering into the internal spaces. This is a dive for experienced wreck lovers, comfortable with depth and reduced visibility. When the conditions line up, it's one of the best battleship dives in the UK.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.495834, -2.965017
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
42m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 EMPRESS OF INDIA (EX RENOWN)

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 EMPRESS OF INDIA (EX RENOWN)

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 Empress of India wreck and how deep is the top of the wreck?
The maximum depth recorded for the HMS Empress of India wreck is 42 meters. Information regarding the exact depth of the top of the wreck is not available in our current data for this site.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the HMS Empress of India?
Divers exploring the HMS Empress of India can expect to encounter the impressive features of a battleship vessel, including its substantial dimensions of 115.8m x 22.9m. The wreck was originally armed with four 13.5 inch, ten 6 inch, and 16 six-pounder guns, along with seven torpedo tubes, and powered by eight boilers and twin triple expansion engines. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data, wrecks of this type often become artificial reefs teeming with various species over time.
How challenging is the HMS Empress of India dive site, and what is its difficulty rating?
The HMS Empress of India dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. It is also classified as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating that divers should approach with appropriate caution and experience.
When is the best time of year to dive the HMS Empress of India for optimal conditions?
Specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the HMS Empress of India is not available in our current dataset. We recommend consulting general resources for when to dive in the Cornwall & Devon region for typical seasonal conditions.
What diving certifications are required to dive the HMS Empress of India wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly listed for the HMS Empress of India, its intermediate difficulty rating and 42-meter depth suggest that an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, along with specialized wreck or deep diving training, would be highly recommended. Always ensure you have the appropriate experience and certifications for challenging wreck dives.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the HMS Empress of India dive site?
Details regarding the typical current and visibility conditions at the HMS Empress of India dive site are not provided in our current data. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts immediately prior to diving any site, especially a "Dangerous wreck."