16m
    Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    Moray Firth

    HMS MARSONA (S SECTION)

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Moray Firth

    Why dive here

    With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - HMS MARSONA (S SECTION) offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 140+ species recorded
    Water8-14°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 16m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    If you're diving Scapa Flow, the HMS *Marsona* (S Section) is a quirky little wreck that often gets overlooked, but we always try to squeeze in a dive here. Sitting upright in 16 metres, she's a trawler converted into a minesweeper, sunk in 1940. We love her compact size – it means you can explore the whole thing without feeling rushed by the cold. The bow section is our favourite, with the hawse pipes and anchor chains still clearly visible. You’ll often find conger eels peering out from gaps in the plating, their thick bodies blending into the shadows. Visibility here can be surprisingly good, especially on a slack tide, letting you appreciate the details of the triple-expansion engine. Look for the colourful jewel anemones clinging to the darker recesses, and the occasional inquisitive wrasse darting around the propeller shaft. It’s an accessible wreck, perfect for an afternoon dive, particularly if you're keen on seeing a well-preserved piece of maritime history colonised by the Flow's resilient marine life.

    Typical HMS MARSONA (S SECTION) Dive Profile

    10mSafety Stop0m16m max~50 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today06:4117:2510h 44m daylightGolden hour 16:31

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS MARSONA (S SECTION)

    HMS MARSONA (S SECTION) Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for HMS MARSONA (S SECTION), sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    13°C

    55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C

    Air Temperature

    10°C

    50°F

    Wind Speed

    9.26 m/s

    18.0 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1005.3 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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