HMS OCEANIC - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Oceanic, for us, is one of Scapa Flow’s unsung heroes. Not one of the German High Seas Fleet, no, but a White Star Line ocean liner, sister ship to the *Titanic* and *Britannic*, pressed into service as an armed merchant cruiser and sunk in 1914. It’s shallow, just 8 metres deep, but don't let that fool you. This isn’t a rummage through rusty plates. What you get here is a massive, broken-up debris field, spread across the seabed. Think huge sections of hull, steam engines, massive boilers, all coated in thick kelp and anemones. We love picking our way through the scattered remains, seeing how the light filters down through the swaying kelp. You’ll spot plenty of wrasse darting between the metalwork, and often a curious seal will pop by for a look. It's a dive that tells a story of an earlier era, of conversion and wartime service, then a swift end on the rocks. This site suits divers who appreciate history and enjoy exploring a sprawling, rather than intact, wreck. It's a fantastic spot for photographers too, especially on a bright day when the kelp forests are really glowing. We always suggest taking your time, letting your eyes adjust, and looking for the smaller details that bring this old liner to life.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
60.117000, -1.980717
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Marine Protected Area: Foula Coast

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 OCEANIC

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 OCEANIC

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