SECIL JAPAN (STERN SECTION) - Cornwall & Devon

The Secil Japan’s stern section, resting at just one meter, is a brilliant shore dive for those looking for a different kind of wreck experience. We love how accessible it is, making it perfect for an extended snorkel or a super shallow dive when you’re just keen to get in the water. You’ll find the propeller shaft, rudder, and parts of the deck machinery, all encrusted with dense plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for blennies and small crabs, and we’ve often spotted juvenile pollack darting through the structure. It’s an ideal site for macro photography, especially on a sunny day when the light penetrates right down and brings out the colours of the anemones. While it’s not a deep penetration dive, the sheer amount of life that has colonised the shallows of this wreck makes it fascinating.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.239468, -5.358517
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Godrevy to Portreath

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 SECIL JAPAN (STERN SECTION)

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 SECIL JAPAN (STERN SECTION)

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 SECIL JAPAN (Stern Section) dive site?
The SECIL JAPAN (Stern Section) dive site has a maximum depth of 1 meter. This makes it an exceptionally shallow wreck, offering unique opportunities for divers to explore its features close to the surface.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the SECIL JAPAN (Stern Section)?
Divers exploring the SECIL JAPAN (Stern Section) can expect to encounter the remains of a motor vessel, measuring 90.5m x 15.2m. This wreck, sunk in 1989, is classified as showing any portion of hull or superstructure. Specific details regarding marine life are not available in the current data for this site.
How challenging is diving the SECIL JAPAN (Stern Section) for recreational divers?
Diving the SECIL JAPAN (Stern Section) is classified as intermediate in difficulty for recreational divers. This suggests that while it's not a beginner site, experienced recreational divers with appropriate training and comfort in wreck diving conditions should find it manageable.
What is the best time of year to dive the SECIL JAPAN (Stern Section) for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the SECIL JAPAN (Stern Section) for optimal conditions and visibility is not available in the current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the United Kingdom, you may wish to consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the SECIL JAPAN (Stern Section)?
While specific certification requirements for the SECIL JAPAN (Stern Section) are not detailed in the provided data, its intermediate difficulty suggests that divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Given it is a wreck dive, specialized wreck diving training would be highly recommended to safely explore its features.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the SECIL JAPAN (Stern Section) dive site?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at the SECIL JAPAN (Stern Section) dive site are not provided in the available data. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on these conditions.