FRAM (STERN SECTION)
Protected Area
Troup, Pennan and Lion`s Heads
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) - FRAM (STERN SECTION) offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
For us, the FRAM stern is pure Scapa Flow character. Dropping down to 43m, you hit a massive cargo steamer, though it’s really the stern section that grabs you. We love nosing around the enormous propeller and rudder assembly. It’s huge, even by Scapa standards, and often you’ll find conger eels peering out from the deeper nooks there. Inside, the engine room is a dark, cavernous space, completely stripped but still impressive for its sheer scale. Look for the triple expansion engine; it’s still standing proud, a real industrial ghost. We’ve had some cracking dives here, especially when the visibility is a solid 10 metres and you can just drift through the holds, spotting the plumose anemones that coat every surface. This site is a proper treat for wreck divers who appreciate history and don’t mind a bit of depth.
Typical FRAM (STERN SECTION) Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 43m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
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.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Reviews for FRAM (STERN SECTION)
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for FRAM (STERN SECTION)
FRAM (STERN SECTION) Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for FRAM (STERN SECTION), 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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