HMS OCEANA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS *Oceana* isn't the biggest wreck in Scapa, but we find her absolutely charming. She’s an old tug, built in 1889, only 42.7m long, and she sits upright in just 12m. This is one of our favourite dives for a relaxed afternoon. You can feel the history as you fin over her deck, the metal plates thick with rust, draped in dead man's fingers. What we love most here is the accessibility. You can spend a good hour just circumnavigating her, poking into the holds, and even finning through the superstructure if you’re careful. Look for the triple-expansion engine, it's remarkably intact and a real treat to see. Crabs scuttle in the shadows, and we often spot blennies peeking from crevices. She's a perfect dive for newer wreck enthusiasts, or when the weather's a bit frisky and you want something sheltered. The shallow depth means plenty of light, even on an overcast day, and you get a long bottom time to really soak it all in. We’d suggest going at slack tide for the easiest exploration.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.207170, -2.744667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

Marine Protected Area: Calf of Eday

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 HMS OCEANA

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 HMS OCEANA

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

How deep is the HMS Oceana wreck for diving?
The HMS Oceana wreck is located at a depth of 12 meters, making it an accessible dive for many. This relatively shallow depth allows for good bottom times and ample opportunity to explore this historic vessel in Scapa Flow.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the HMS Oceana?
The HMS Oceana, a 42.7m x 6.9m tug vessel, offers fascinating wreck features for divers to explore. You can expect to see its single boiler, triple expansion engine, and single shaft, which are key components of this 1889-built ship. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks typically attract various local species, making it a great site for general wildlife observation.
What is the difficulty level of diving the HMS Oceana wreck?
Diving the HMS Oceana wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience and comfort with wreck diving or similar conditions. It's a rewarding dive for those with the appropriate skill level in the United Kingdom.
When is the best time of year to dive the HMS Oceana for optimal conditions?
Specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the HMS Oceana is not provided in our current data. We recommend consulting local dive operators or checking our When to Dive section for general guidance on diving in Scapa Flow.
What diving certifications are needed or recommended for the HMS Oceana dive?
Given the HMS Oceana is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, an Advanced Open Water certification is generally recommended. Additionally, a Wreck Diver specialty certification would be highly beneficial to safely explore the features of this historic vessel. Always confirm specific requirements with your chosen dive operator in Scapa Flow.
What are the typical currents, visibility, and water temperature at the HMS Oceana dive site?
Our current data does not specify the typical currents, visibility, or water temperature for the HMS Oceana dive site. For the most up-to-date conditions, it is always best to consult with local dive centers in Scapa Flow before planning your dive.