OUSE (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Ouse is one of those wrecks that really rewards a bit of preparation. She’s deep, sitting on the seabed at 55 metres, so you’ll need your trimix cert and a steady head for deep diving. We’ve found her at her best in late summer, when the thermocline pushes down and the top 10-15 metres offer decent light before the deeper gloom sets in. What we love about the Ouse is her intactness. Built in 1911, she went down in 1940, and time has treated her relatively gently. You can still make out the twin boilers, a huge presence in the bow section, and the triple expansion engine is a fantastic exploration. The cargo holds are open, often filled with conger eels – we’ve seen some absolute monsters lurking in the shadows. Look for the anemones blanketing the deck plates, vibrant against the dark metal. It’s a deep, challenging dive, but for experienced wreck enthusiasts, she offers a profound sense of history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.536600, -0.058883
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: Beachy Head West

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 OUSE (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 OUSE (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 maximum depth of the Great Ouse dive site?
The Ouse (Possibly) dive site reaches a maximum depth of 55 meters. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for experienced divers with appropriate training. Always ensure you are properly certified for such depths.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Great Ouse?
The Ouse (Possibly) is a fascinating steam ship vessel, offering unique wreck features for divers to explore. You can expect to see its two boilers and the impressive triple expansion engine, which powered its single shaft. The wreck, built in 1911 and sunk in 1940, measures 73.2m x 10.4m, providing ample structure for potential marine life habitats, though specific species are not detailed in the data.
How challenging is diving the Great Ouse wreck, especially considering currents?
Diving the Ouse (Possibly) wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. While specific current details are not provided, an intermediate rating suggests that divers should be comfortable with potential challenges, which may include currents or the significant depth of 55 meters. Always be prepared for varying conditions when exploring wrecks in Cornwall & Devon.
What are the best tidal conditions and time of year to dive the Great Ouse?
The provided data does not specify the best tidal conditions or time of year to dive the Ouse (Possibly). For optimal planning, it is always recommended to consult local dive operators and when-to-dive resources for the Cornwall & Devon region. They can provide up-to-date information on local conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Great Ouse wreck?
Given the maximum depth of 55 meters and intermediate difficulty, divers should possess advanced deep diving certifications to safely explore the Ouse (Possibly) wreck. Technical diving certifications may also be highly recommended for managing the depth and potential complexities of a wreck dive. Always ensure your training and equipment are appropriate for such demanding conditions.
What are the typical visibility and current conditions at the Great Ouse dive site?
The available data does not provide specific details on typical visibility or current conditions at the Ouse (Possibly) dive site. As conditions can vary greatly, it is advisable to check with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date reports before planning your dive. This will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.