PRESERVER - Cornwall & Devon

The Preserver is a moody dive, perfect for those days when you just want to potter about a solid wreck without battling big currents or depths. We love that it’s sitting upright in a modest 15 meters of water, so even if you’re newer to wreck diving, you get a proper sense of its structure. She was a salvage vessel, sunk by a German parachute mine in 1940, and you can still see that hardy working boat character about her. Drop down and you’re immediately into the wreck. The main boiler is a real focal point, surrounded by schools of pouting, and often a grumpy-looking conger eel eyeing you from a pipe. We’ve found the stern section particularly interesting, with some of the steering gear still recognisable. It’s a great site for photographers too, especially on a sunny day when the light filters through the superstructure, illuminating the anemones and dead man's fingers that carpet the metal. Visibility can be a typical UK affair, but on a good day, you’ll get 10-12 metres, which is plenty for exploring. Best dived around slack water, obviously. Keep an eye out for dogfish tucked into the sand nearby.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.695430, -5.071357
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Marine Protected Area: Arfordir Penrhyn Angle / Angle Peninsula Coast

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 PRESERVER

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 PRESERVER

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 for diving at the "PRESERVER" dive sites, and are there options for both shallow and deep dives?
The PRESERVER dive site offers a typical depth of 15m, making it an accessible dive. While this specific site is considered shallow to moderate, it does not offer options for significantly deeper dives. Divers looking for varied depths in the region might explore other sites in Cornwall & Devon.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see when exploring the "PRESERVER" dive sites?
When exploring the PRESERVER, divers can expect to encounter a fascinating historical wreck, a salvage vessel sunk on November 24, 1940. Key artifacts include its structure, a single boiler, and a 3-cylinder triple expansion engine. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks typically attract a variety of local species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dives at "PRESERVER" generally considered, and are there sites suitable for beginner divers?
Dives at the PRESERVER are generally considered intermediate in difficulty. This site is classified as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating it is not typically suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive the "PRESERVER" sites for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at the PRESERVER dive site is not available in the current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the United Kingdom, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended to dive the various sites within the "PRESERVER"?
Given the PRESERVER is an intermediate dive and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," specific certifications beyond basic open water are highly recommended. Divers should ideally hold advanced certifications, such as an Advanced Open Water Diver, and consider a Wreck Diver specialty certification. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to safely explore this historical site.
What are the usual water conditions, including visibility and currents, that divers might encounter at the "PRESERVER" dive sites?
Details regarding the usual water conditions, including specific visibility and currents, for the PRESERVER dive site are not provided in the current data. Divers planning to visit should always check local conditions and forecasts before diving. For general information on dive planning and equipment, please refer to our resources.