FAIRWEATHER V (PROBABLY) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Fairweather V, or at least what we think is the Fairweather V, is a cracking dive for a relaxing afternoon in Scapa Flow. Sitting upright at 22 metres, this old fishing vessel from the late 70s has settled nicely onto the seabed, making for a really approachable wreck. We love how the wheelhouse offers an easy swim-through, just big enough to poke your head in and imagine the crew at work before she went down in '91. Visibility here can be pretty decent, especially on a calm day, letting you properly appreciate the sheer scale of the nets draped across the deck, now home to a surprising number of squat lobsters and some feisty edible crabs. Look closely for the nudibranchs inching across the metalwork, a vibrant splash of colour against the rust. It’s not a deep dive, so you get plenty of bottom time to explore the engine room, or simply hang out on the stern, watching the blennies dart in and out of every crevice. Our pick for a second dive of the day, when you want something interesting without too much current.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.939144, -5.355814
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m

Marine Protected Area: Cailleach Head

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 FAIRWEATHER V (PROBABLY)

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 FAIRWEATHER V (PROBABLY)

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