NORTH SEA (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The *North Sea (Probably)* isn't your average lump of metal on the seabed. This 82-meter steamship, down since 1917, is a proper expedition dive at 54 meters. We love the sheer scale of it, and the way the superstructure still hints at its former life. You'll drop onto the deck, often in decent visibility for this part of the world, and immediately pick out the two huge boilers, a real focal point. Exploring the engine room is a highlight. The triple-expansion engine is still largely intact, a testament to its robust construction. Look for conger eels here, they’re often quite large and territorial. Our favourite part is following the cargo holds forward, where squat lobsters and crabs pick their way across the plates. The wreck attracts schooling pollack and often a few inquisitive dogfish patrol the edges. It’s a dive for experienced deep divers comfortable with deco, offering a real sense of history and some excellent temperate water marine life.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.176083, -3.751883
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

Marine Protected Area: Skerries Bank and Surrounds

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 NORTH SEA (PROBABLY)

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 NORTH SEA (PROBABLY)

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 are the typical diving depths in the North Sea for recreational divers, especially around its famous wrecks?
For the wreck known as NORTH SEA (PROBABLY), located off Cornwall & Devon, divers can expect a depth of 54 meters. This specific wreck, a steam ship sunk in 1917, is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While we can't generalize for all North Sea wrecks, this provides an example of the depths encountered.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions, such as shipwrecks, can divers expect to see in the North Sea?
In the North Sea, specifically around Cornwall & Devon, divers can explore fascinating underwater attractions like the steam ship wreck known as NORTH SEA (PROBABLY). This impressive vessel, built in 1899 and sunk in 1917, measures 82m x 12.4m and features two boilers and a triple expansion engine. It is classified as a non-dangerous wreck, offering an intriguing historical dive.
How challenging are the diving conditions in the North Sea, considering factors like temperature and visibility?
Diving conditions for the NORTH SEA (PROBABLY) wreck are classified as intermediate difficulty. While specific details on temperature and visibility for this site are not provided, divers should be prepared for conditions typical of deeper wreck dives in the region. Always check local conditions before your dive.
What is the best time of year to dive in the North Sea for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
The provided data for the NORTH SEA (PROBABLY) wreck does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section. Always check local forecasts and dive operator recommendations for the most current information.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving in the North Sea, especially for wreck diving?
The NORTH SEA (PROBABLY) wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive to a depth of 54 meters. While the provided data does not specify exact certification requirements, divers undertaking such a dive should possess appropriate training and experience for deep and wreck diving. Always consult with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for specific prerequisites.
What are the typical water conditions in the North Sea, including currents, temperature, and visibility?
For the NORTH SEA (PROBABLY) wreck, which is an intermediate difficulty dive to 54 meters, specific details on water conditions such as currents, temperature, and visibility are not available in the provided data. Divers should anticipate conditions typical for deeper wreck dives in the United Kingdom and always check local dive reports.