HMS HAZARD - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Hazard, a former torpedo gunboat, holds a special place in our hearts when diving the UK's south coast. She sits upright at 30 metres, a substantial wreck at 76 metres long, and we love how intact she feels for a vessel that’s been down since 1918. Descending onto her deck, you can still make out the outline of her four boilers, now heavily encrusted, and the twin triple-expansion engines are a fascinating sight. It’s a proper dive into history, feeling the cold Atlantic water around you as you explore the remains of her superstructure. We’d suggest planning your dive to coincide with slack water, as currents here can really rip. You'll find plenty of life too, with dogfish often tucked into crevices, conger eels peeking out from pipes, and jewel anemones adding bursts of colour to the dark metal. The Hazard is a fantastic spot for experienced wreck divers looking for a substantial, explorable piece of naval history, without the crowds of some more accessible sites. Just remember your decent torch – it gets dark down there.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.729700, -1.055300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

Marine Protected Area: St Helen's Duver & Priory Wood

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 HAZARD

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 HAZARD

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 Hazard dive site?
The maximum depth of the HMS Hazard dive site is 30 meters. This depth makes it an accessible wreck for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What can divers expect to see when exploring the HMS Hazard wreck?
Divers exploring the HMS Hazard wreck can expect to see the remains of a 76.2m x 9.1m torpedo boat vessel, originally built in 1894. Key features include its four boilers and twin triple expansion engines, which powered the ship with 3500IHP. The vessel served as a torpedo gunboat before being appointed as a depot ship and sinking in 1918.
How difficult is diving the HMS Hazard wreck, and what are the main challenges?
Diving the HMS Hazard wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. As a "Dangerous wreck," divers should be prepared for potential hazards and ensure they have the necessary experience and training for wreck diving in Cornwall & Devon.
What is the best time of year or tidal condition to dive the HMS Hazard for optimal visibility and currents?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or tidal conditions for optimal visibility and currents at the HMS Hazard dive site. We recommend consulting local dive operators or a when to dive guide for up-to-date information on conditions in Cornwall & Devon.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the HMS Hazard?
Given the intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 30 meters, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Specialized wreck diving training is highly recommended due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" and the nature of exploring such a site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the HMS Hazard dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information on typical current and visibility conditions at the HMS Hazard dive site. Divers planning to visit this Cornwall & Devon wreck should check with local dive centers for the most current conditions before planning their dive.