DISPERSER - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The DISPERSER is often overlooked in Scapa Flow, overshadowed by the German High Seas Fleet, but we think that's a mistake. This isn't a massive warship, rather a compact, characterful steamship sitting upright in a modest 11 metres. Built in 1912, she went down in 1940, and time has given her a wonderful, encrusted texture. Drop down and you're immediately on the deck. Her boiler is still very much in place, a solid, dark presence attracting conger eels. We've often found them peeking from cracks, thick as your arm. The stern has started to break down, revealing internal structure, perfect for poking around with a torch, revealing nudibranchs and squat lobsters tucked into every nook. Visibility here can be surprisingly good on a calm day, letting you appreciate the full outline of the hull, and the way the light filters through the surface green. It’s a photographer's dream for wide-angle shots showing the wreck's scale against the water column. This site suits divers looking for an intimate wreck experience, where the history is palpable and the marine life, while not tropical, is abundant and engaging.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.999016, -2.961608
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Marine Protected Area: Waulkmill

Best Time to Dive in Scapa Flow, Orkney

The warmest water temperatures in Scapa Flow, Orkney occur in January, averaging 8.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.4°C (air: 5.5°C)
  • February: 8.4°C (air: 5.3°C)
  • March: 8.4°C (air: 5.9°C)
  • April: 8.4°C (air: 6.8°C)
  • May: 8.4°C (air: 9.7°C)
  • June: 8.4°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • July: 8.4°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 8.4°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • September: 8.4°C (air: 12.7°C)
  • October: 8.4°C (air: 10.2°C)
  • November: 8.4°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • December: 8.4°C (air: 5.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Nearest Dive Centres to DISPERSER

Marine Life in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Home to 155 recorded species including 63 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 12 sharks & rays, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for DISPERSER

Based on average water temperature of 8.4°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 8°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