START - Cornwall & Devon

The Start, a steamship built in 1896, rests upright in 41 metres, offering a deep, atmospheric dive. We’ve found her to be quite intact, with the stern particularly well-preserved, including the propeller and rudder often still discernible. Inside the holds, you’ll likely find conger eels peering from dark recesses and pollack schooling over the decks. It's a dive best suited for experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts comfortable with deeper profiles, especially given the typically changeable English Channel conditions.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.471590, -1.826831
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
41m

Marine Protected Area: Albert Field

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 START

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 START

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 for diving at START dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at the START dive site is 41 meters. This makes it a deeper wreck dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can be seen at START dive site?
The primary underwater feature at the START dive site is a fascinating steam ship vessel, sunk on December 22, 1917. This non-dangerous wreck, measuring 62.2m x 8.8m, features a boiler, triple expansion engine, and single shaft, providing an excellent structure for exploration and marine life to inhabit.
How difficult is diving at START dive site, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at the START dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its depth of 41m and wreck type, it is generally not suitable for beginners and is best enjoyed by divers with more experience and advanced certifications.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at START dive site for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year or season to dive at the START dive site for optimal conditions is not available in the provided data. We recommend checking local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at START dive site?
Given the START dive site's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 41 meters, divers would typically require advanced certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver and potentially a Deep Diver or Wreck Diver specialty. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary skills and experience for such a dive.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at START dive site?
Details regarding the typical currents and water conditions at the START dive site are not specified in the available data. For current conditions, it's always best to consult with local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon before planning your dive.