HMD CHANCE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

HMD Chance is one of our favourite Scapa Flow wrecks for a few reasons. Descending through the typical green Orkney water, the wooden hull emerges, surprisingly intact for its age. We’re talking about a steam drifter here, built in 1908, sitting upright at 28 metres. The collision that sank her in 1916 left a decent hole midships, but the bow and stern are particularly well-preserved. You can peer into the holds, or what’s left of them, and the prop is often a highlight, encrusted with anemones that sway gently in the mild currents. We’ve spotted some hefty conger eels coiled in the darker corners and plenty of cod hanging out in the superstructure. It’s a comfortable dive, nothing too taxing, perfect for divers who appreciate history and the quiet beauty of a wooden wreck reclaiming its place on the seabed. Don’t rush it; take your time to explore the details.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.847015, -3.134800
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m

Marine Protected Area: Switha

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 HMD CHANCE

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 HMD CHANCE

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