POINT LAW - Cornwall & Devon

Point Law is a real cracker of a wreck dive, especially if you’re into the industrial archaeology that underpins so much of British diving. We love that it’s still so intact, a testament to its sinking back in '75. Drop down and you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of the tanker. Seventy-five metres of ship, she lies pretty upright, broken only by where she hit the rocks. Our favourite part has to be the stern. You can really get a sense of the engine room here, even if penetration isn't really the game plan. Keep an eye out for the resident wrasse darting between the plates; they're incredibly bold. Shoals of bib often hang in the shadows too, a shimmering curtain against the corroded steel. The bridge area is also worth a look, though it’s more broken up now. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide, the currents around here can be surprisingly feisty. The visibility in summer can push to a decent 10-15 metres, which really makes exploring the hull a pleasure. It’s a proper dive for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate a bit of history with their rust.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.703033, -2.231500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 POINT LAW

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 POINT LAW

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 depths and underwater topography divers can expect at Point Law?
The Point Law wreck is noted to be at a depth of 0m, indicating its shallow nature, possibly breaking the surface or being very close to it. As a tanker vessel measuring 75.9m x 12.5m, its topography consists of the hull and superstructure of a substantial wreck. Divers can explore the remains of this vessel, which ran aground on Le Puits Jervias Rocks.
What kind of marine life and underwater features are commonly seen when diving at Point Law?
While Point Law is a fascinating wreck site, specific details regarding marine life sightings are not provided in the available data. However, as a wreck, it naturally forms an artificial reef, which typically attracts various local species over time. Divers interested in general marine life in the region can explore the DivePlnr wildlife database for common species in UK waters.
What is the difficulty level for diving at Point Law, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
Diving at Point Law is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience beyond basic certification, rather than absolute beginners. While the reported depth is 0m, the "intermediate" classification may account for factors such as potential currents, exposure, or the nature of exploring a substantial wreck like this tanker.
What is the best time of year to dive at Point Law for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The available data for Point Law does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on diving in the United Kingdom, divers can consult the DivePlnr 'When to Dive' resource. It is always recommended to check local conditions before planning a dive.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended for diving at Point Law?
Given the intermediate difficulty level for diving at Point Law, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. While no specific certifications are explicitly required in the provided data, having experience with wreck diving or navigating challenging conditions would be highly beneficial. Always ensure your diving equipment is suitable for the conditions.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at Point Law, and how do they vary?
The provided data for Point Law does not include specific details on usual current conditions or visibility, nor how they might vary. Divers should always consult local dive operators or resources for up-to-date information on currents and visibility before planning a dive at this Cornwall & Devon site.