HMS ROSE VALLEY - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS *Rose Valley* is one of those Scapa Flow wrecks we always make time for, even if it doesn't get the same fanfare as the big battleships. It’s an old trawler, just 26 metres long, sitting upright in about 15 metres of water, usually on a silty seabed. You can often get some surprisingly good light down there, filtering through the water and giving the whole wreck a moody, atmospheric glow. What we love about the *Rose Valley* is its accessibility and the sheer volume of life that’s made it home. Shoals of saithe and pollack hang off the mast, and the hull plating is thick with soft corals, dead man's fingers, and anemones. We’ve seen conger eels poking their heads out from cracks in the engine room, and the bow section, in particular, is a great spot for crabs and lobsters. Our favourite trick is to take a moment near the stern, letting our eyes adjust to the low light, and watch the smaller fish darting in and out of the propeller shaft. It’s not a deep dive, so you get plenty of bottom time to really explore every nook and cranny. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate the quiet beauty of a smaller wreck, where history and marine life intertwine without the crowds.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.825650, -3.152400
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

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 HMS ROSE VALLEY

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 ROSE VALLEY

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 is the typical depth range for diving the HMD Rose Valley wreck?
The HMS Rose Valley wreck is typically dived at a depth of 15 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it quite accessible for many certified recreational divers.
What can divers expect to see when exploring the HMD Rose Valley dive site?
Divers exploring the HMS Rose Valley can expect to see the remains of a 26.5m x 6.1m drifter vessel, which was sunk in 1943. Notable features include its single boiler and triple expansion engine. As a classified dangerous wreck, it offers an intriguing historical exploration within Scapa Flow.
How difficult is the HMD Rose Valley wreck dive for recreational divers?
The HMS Rose Valley wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty for recreational divers. This suggests that divers should have some experience beyond entry-level certifications to comfortably and safely explore this historical site in the United Kingdom.
When is the best time of year to dive the HMD Rose Valley for good conditions?
The provided data does not specify a particular best time of year for diving the HMS Rose Valley for optimal conditions. For general information on diving conditions in Scapa Flow, it's advisable to consult local dive operators or our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are needed to dive the HMD Rose Valley?
Given its intermediate difficulty and a depth of 15 meters, divers should possess at least an Open Water Diver certification, along with some experience in wreck diving or similar conditions. It's always recommended to dive within your training and comfort limits when exploring sites like the HMS Rose Valley.
What are the usual currents and visibility like at the HMD Rose Valley dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual currents or visibility at the HMS Rose Valley dive site. Divers planning to visit this historical wreck in Scapa Flow should consult local dive centers for up-to-date conditions before their dive.