HASTINGS COUNTY - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Forget the big battleships and cruisers for a moment. Hastings County might only be a shallow dive, but it’s one of our favourite Scapa sites for sheer character. Lying in just 5 metres, it’s not about penetration or vast scale, but rather a proper rummage through a broken steamship. You’ll find the bow section completely separated, almost a dive site in itself, and then the main hull spread across the seabed. We love finning slowly over the triple expansion engine, the huge pistons still visible, and then spotting the three boilers. The light here, even on a murky day, is usually pretty good because of the depth. It illuminates the encrusting life – dead man's fingers coral, anenomes, and big balls of snakelocks anemones. Look closely in the nooks and crannies; we've often spotted scorpionfish tucked away, and the occasional inquisitive seal pup will zip past. It’s an ideal second dive, or perfect for those who want a long, relaxed exploration without the usual chill of Scapa’s deeper wrecks. Plus, you can often spend a good hour down here without feeling the cold too much.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.024166, -2.573333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Auskerry

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 HASTINGS COUNTY

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 HASTINGS COUNTY

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 are the typical depths and maximum depths for scuba diving in Hastings County?
Diving at the Hastings County wreck typically involves depths around 5 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers. As only one depth is specified, 5 meters can be considered both the typical and maximum depth for this site.
What kind of marine life or underwater attractions can divers expect to see when diving in Hastings County?
When diving Hastings County, divers can explore the impressive remains of a 115.8m x 15.8m steam ship vessel, built in 1920 and sunk in 1926. This non-dangerous wreck, featuring three boilers and a triple expansion engine, serves as the primary underwater attraction. Details regarding specific marine life sightings are not provided in the current data.
How challenging is the diving in Hastings County, and are there dive sites suitable for beginners?
Diving at Hastings County is classified as intermediate difficulty. While the depth is shallow at 5 meters, the nature of wreck diving often requires more experience than basic open water dives. Therefore, it may not be ideal for absolute beginners, but is suitable for divers with some prior experience.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Hastings County for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions and visibility at Hastings County. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section. Always check local conditions with a dive operator before planning your trip.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to explore dive sites in Hastings County?
Given the "intermediate" difficulty rating for Hastings County, divers would typically need at least an Advanced Open Water certification, or equivalent, to safely explore this wreck. While the depth is shallow at 5 meters, wreck diving often benefits from specialized training and experience. Always confirm specific requirements with local dive operators.
What are the usual water conditions, including visibility, temperature, and currents, for diving in Hastings County?
The provided data for Hastings County does not include specific details on usual water conditions such as visibility, temperature, or currents. Divers should always check current local conditions with a dive operator before planning their dive to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.