EMPIRE SEAMAN
Protected Area
Waulkmill
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - EMPIRE SEAMAN offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Empire Seaman, a blockship sunk in 1940, offers a different kind of Scapa Flow dive. It sits in shallow water, around 5 metres, making it perfect for a relaxed exploration or a second dive. We’ve found her to be quite broken up, but you can still pick out the bow and stern sections, especially with decent visibility. Because it’s so shallow, light penetrates well, illuminating the kelp and anenomes clinging to the steel plates. Look for the small crabs scuttling amongst the debris; they’re pretty territorial. It’s a good option if you’re keen on history without the deeper, darker wreck penetration often associated with Scapa.
Typical EMPIRE SEAMAN Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Nearest Dive Centres to EMPIRE SEAMAN
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for EMPIRE SEAMAN
EMPIRE SEAMAN Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for EMPIRE SEAMAN, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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