YMS 382 - Cornwall & Devon

The YMS 382 is a proper deep dive, a minesweeper sitting upright on the seabed at 49 metres. We love an upright wreck, and this one has some real character, even if it is a bit of a dark dive. Dropping down, the bow is often the first thing to emerge from the murk, still pointing defiantly into the current. You can follow the deck aft, past where the mine-sweeping gear would have been, now a playground for small conger eels and squat lobsters. Our favourite bit is the stern, where the gun mounting is still quite clear, encrusted with dead man's fingers and anemones. This isn't a dive for the faint of heart or the inexperienced; the depth means careful planning and gas management are key. But for those with the right training, the YMS 382 offers a tangible link to a wartime story, complete with a surprisingly intact structure to explore. Look closely in the hold, and you might spot a ling peering out, or the glint of a pouting school hovering over the deck. It's a challenging dive, but seeing that silhouette appear from the deep is always a reward.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.383920, -3.151239
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
49m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 YMS 382

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 YMS 382

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 YMS 382 wreck, and what is the average depth divers can expect during a dive?
The maximum depth of the YMS 382 wreck is 49 meters. While the average depth will depend on your specific dive plan and bottom time, divers should be prepared for a deep dive to explore this historic site.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to encounter on the YMS 382 wreck in the English Channel?
The YMS 382 is a minesweeper vessel sunk on May 7, 1945, offering a glimpse into World War II history. While specific details on marine life and artifacts are not provided in our current data, wrecks typically attract a variety of local marine species over time, transforming into vibrant artificial reefs. Divers can often observe the structural elements of the vessel itself as historical artifacts.
How challenging is the YMS 382 wreck dive, and is it suitable for advanced recreational divers or only technical divers?
The YMS 382 wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a maximum depth of 49 meters, this dive pushes the limits of advanced recreational diving and would be suitable for experienced divers with appropriate deep diving certifications, or technical divers. The wreck is classified as non-dangerous, but proper training and equipment are essential for such depths.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the YMS 382 wreck for optimal visibility and calmer conditions?
Our current data for the YMS 382 wreck does not specify the best months or seasons for optimal visibility and calmer conditions. For general guidance on diving in Cornwall & Devon, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section for typical regional conditions.
What specific diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving the YMS 382 wreck, especially for any potential wreck penetration?
Given the 49-meter depth and intermediate difficulty of the YMS 382 wreck, an advanced deep diving certification is highly recommended. While our data does not specify opportunities for wreck penetration, any such activity would require specialized wreck diving certifications and appropriate equipment. Always ensure you are properly trained and equipped for the planned dive.
What are the typical current strengths, water temperatures, and visibility conditions at the YMS 382 dive site in the English Channel?
Our current data for the YMS 382 dive site does not include specific details on typical current strengths, water temperatures, or visibility conditions. For general environmental information regarding diving in Cornwall & Devon, please refer to broader regional resources or our When to Dive section.