HMSM P555 - Cornwall & Devon

The HMSM P555 is a proper dive, a deep shot that really makes you feel like you’re exploring. We love how intact she is for a wreck of her age. Dropping down to 40 metres, you first make out the conning tower, then the full 66 metres of her length stretches out, surprisingly complete. You can still see the torpedo tubes at the bow and stern, and the gun mount forward of the conning tower. It’s a dark dive, as you’d expect at this depth in British waters, but the visibility here can be surprisingly good on a calm day, giving the whole submarine a ghostly silhouette. Life around the P555 is prolific. The wreck acts as a huge artificial reef. Conger eels are a common sight, peering out from open hatches and crevices. We’ve spotted massive ballan wrasse patrolling her decks, and ling often lurk in the deeper sections. It’s a site for experienced divers, no doubt about it, with the depth and potential for currents. Our favourite way to dive her is on a slack tide, giving you plenty of time to explore the exterior, tracing her length from bow to stern and imagining her operational days. It’s a deep, contemplative dive that rewards patience and a good eye for detail.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.515232, -2.557783
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 HMSM P555

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 HMSM P555

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