FRAM (STERN SECTION) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

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.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.712234, -2.224421
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
43m

Marine Protected Area: Troup, Pennan and Lion`s Heads

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 FRAM (STERN SECTION)

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 FRAM (STERN SECTION)

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