KAI (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

Okay, so Kai, the old steamship. This one is deep, proper deep, at 55m. It’s a serious dive, not one for the casual weekend splash. But for those who are trained and equipped for it, Kai offers a rewarding sense of history, a real connection to the wartime past off the Cornish coast. We love the way the wreck has settled, largely intact, offering glimpses into its operational life. You’ll find the two boilers standing proud, a real focal point, and the triple expansion engine still largely recognisable. It's not a wreck overflowing with soft corals, this is the UK after all, but the steelwork itself provides plenty of nooks and crannies for resident wrasse and squat lobsters. We’ve had some truly tranquil dives here, with visibility occasionally opening up to a good 15-20 metres, which at this depth feels like a gift. Our advice? Go on a slack tide, obviously, and keep an eye on the thermoclines, they can shift quickly. The sheer depth means careful planning is essential, but if you’re into technical wreck diving, Kai is a standout.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.663265, -5.085650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: Trevose Head

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 KAI (POSSIBLY)

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 KAI (POSSIBLY)

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 typical depth range for diving at KAI?
The KAI wreck is located at a depth of 55 meters. This makes it a dive suitable for experienced divers comfortable with deeper profiles and advanced decompression procedures. For more information on this dive site, visit the KAI (POSSIBLY) page.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at KAI?
Divers at KAI can expect to explore the impressive remains of a steam ship vessel, measuring 73.6m x 10.9m. This non-dangerous wreck, sunk on February 1, 1941, provides a fascinating artificial reef environment. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, wrecks often attract a variety of local species, making it an interesting site for underwater exploration.
How challenging is diving at KAI, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving at KAI is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a depth of 55 meters, it is not suitable for all experience levels and requires divers to have advanced training and comfort with deeper diving. Divers should ensure they have the appropriate certifications and experience for such a challenging wreck dive.
What is the best time of year to visit KAI for optimal diving conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to visit KAI for optimal diving conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the Cornwall & Devon region, it's advisable to consult local dive operators or resources like DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at KAI?
Given the intermediate difficulty and significant depth of 55 meters, divers will typically require advanced certifications such as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, along with deep specialty training. It's crucial to be properly trained and experienced for such a challenging wreck dive. Always confirm specific requirements with your dive operator before planning your trip to KAI.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at KAI?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual current conditions or visibility at the KAI dive site. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date reports on these conditions.