GOODWILL MERCHANT - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Goodwill Merchant is a proper Scapa Flow wreck, and we love diving it. It’s not one of the big German fleet, but this motor vessel, sunk in '76, offers a fantastic rummage around at just 16m. We often find the visibility here surprisingly good, especially on a settled day. You drop onto the bow, usually, and the whole thing is still very much a ship. Her stern is higher, rising about 4-5 metres off the seabed, making for a dramatic profile against the green-blue water. There's plenty of penetration if you're comfortable, particularly into the engine room which is surprisingly open and feels very atmospheric. Look for the large propeller, still in place and usually buzzing with small crabs and gobies. It’s an easy dive, and a great way to warm up for deeper Scapa wrecks, or just to enjoy a well-preserved wreck without the decompression worries. We always see plenty of ling, often tucked into shadowy corners, and the anemones coating the deck superstructure are vibrant in your torch beam.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.993830, -1.345283
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Marine Protected Area: St Ninian's Tombolo

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 GOODWILL MERCHANT

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 GOODWILL MERCHANT

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the "GOODWILL MERCHANT" dive site?
The maximum depth of the GOODWILL MERCHANT dive site is 16 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive within Scapa Flow, suitable for various experience levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the "GOODWILL MERCHANT" wreck?
The GOODWILL MERCHANT is a motor vessel wreck, sunk on January 18, 1976, measuring 59.7m x 10.4m. Divers can explore the structure of this significant vessel. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks often attract various species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How difficult is the "GOODWILL MERCHANT" dive site, and is it suitable for less experienced divers?
The GOODWILL MERCHANT dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience, but perhaps not ideal for absolute beginners. Less experienced divers should ensure they have appropriate training and comfort levels for wreck diving.
What certifications or experience levels are required to dive the "GOODWILL MERCHANT"?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess certifications and experience levels appropriate for such dives, typically Advanced Open Water or equivalent. It's always recommended to consult with a local dive center in Scapa Flow to confirm specific requirements and ensure you have the necessary skills for this wreck.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the "GOODWILL MERCHANT" dive site?
The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions or visibility at the GOODWILL MERCHANT dive site. For up-to-date information on these factors, it is always best to check with local dive operators in Scapa Flow before planning your dive.
When is the best time of year to dive the "GOODWILL MERCHANT" for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the GOODWILL MERCHANT for optimal conditions or marine life encounters. To determine the ideal diving season for Scapa Flow and this particular wreck, we recommend consulting our When to Dive guide or local dive centers.