JOHN RANDOLPH (FORE PART) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The John Randolph’s fore part is, for us, one of Scapa Flow’s real characters. It's not a pristine wreck, mind you. This is a salvage casualty, dumped unceremoniously, and that’s precisely what we love about it. You drop down onto a jumbled collection of heavy steel plates and beams, the ship’s bow sections all askew. It feels chaotic, almost sculptural in its collapse. We often find ourselves poking around the anchor chains, which are still very much in evidence, leading off into the gloom. Look closely here; the chains are fantastic for plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying gently in the slight surge. Inside some of the more enclosed spaces, you’ll find squat lobsters tucked away, and the occasional ling slinking past. We usually work our way along what would have been the main deck, identifying cargo winches and various pieces of machinery, all heavily encrusted. The sheer scale of the twisted metal is impressive, a testament to the forces that tore her apart and put her here. It’s a site that rewards patient exploration, especially for those who appreciate the raw history of these Scapa wrecks.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.527430, -4.262233
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Invernaver

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 JOHN RANDOLPH (FORE PART)

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 JOHN RANDOLPH (FORE PART)

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