HASSETT - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Hassett, a trawler that went down in 1953, offers something a bit different for Scapa Flow. It’s a shallow dive, barely kissing two metres, meaning you get fantastic bottom time, especially if you’re trying out a new camera rig. We often bring our open water students here for their first taste of a wreck, but honestly, it’s just a great place to potter about. You’ll find the Hassett’s remains spread out, not a big intact structure, but that’s its charm. The stern is probably our favourite, with its big propeller shaft and rudder now home to blennies peeking out of every crevice. We’ve seen small pollack darting through the twisted metal plates and a surprising number of sea slugs on the calmer days. The boilers, once the engine of the ship, are particularly impressive. We love tracing the outline of the old decking, imagining it fully formed while the kelp sways around us. It’s an easy, relaxing dive, perfect for a second dip after something deeper, or for anyone who just wants to soak up the atmosphere of a piece of history resting on the seabed.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.478794, -3.047408
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Noss 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 HASSETT

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 HASSETT

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