MIM - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The MIM sits shallow, barely breaking the surface at times, a cargo steamer driven ashore in a gale back in '39. You’ll find her bones spread across the seabed, a proper scramble of twisted metal and plates at just 5 meters depth. It’s a great spot for a relaxed shallow dive, perfect for working on buoyancy or just enjoying the easy access. We often see plenty of crabs scuttling amongst the wreckage, and sometimes a few curious seals pop over for a look. Given the depth, it’s a good one to pair with another dive, or just enjoy for a leisurely hour.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.349545, -2.372823
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Northwall

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 MIM

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 MIM

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 are the typical depths for diving at MIM?
The MIM dive site offers a typical diving depth of 5 meters. This shallow depth makes it an accessible wreck dive within Scapa Flow, allowing for extended bottom times to explore the vessel.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving MIM?
When diving the MIM, you can expect to explore the impressive remains of a steam ship vessel, which was built in 1938 and sunk in 1939. This significant wreck, measuring 126.2m x 17.1m, is classified as showing portions of its hull or superstructure. While specific marine life data is not provided, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species over time.
How difficult is diving at MIM, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at the MIM is classified as intermediate difficulty. While its shallow depth of 5 meters might seem appealing, the nature of wreck diving often requires specific skills and experience beyond basic open water certification. Therefore, it may not be suitable for absolute beginner divers without appropriate supervision or additional training.
What is the best time of year or day to dive MIM for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive the MIM for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on planning your dive trips and understanding seasonal variations, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resource. Always check local weather and tide conditions before planning your dive.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at MIM?
While specific certification requirements for diving the MIM are not explicitly provided, its classification as an "intermediate" difficulty wreck dive suggests that an Advanced Open Water certification or a specialized Wreck Diver certification would be highly beneficial. Always consult with a local dive operator in Scapa Flow to confirm the exact prerequisites.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the MIM dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical currents or water conditions at the MIM dive site. As with any dive in United Kingdom waters, conditions can vary, so it's always advisable to check local forecasts and consult with dive professionals in Scapa Flow before your dive.