PENNSYLVANIA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Pennsylvania*, a steamship scuttled in 1931, offers a different flavour of Scapa Flow wreck diving. Forget deep, dark leviathans here. This is a shallow, sun-drenched playground. We love it because it’s a living history lesson you can literally reach out and touch. The wreck sits in just two metres of water, perfect for extended bottom times and ideal for new drysuit divers or anyone wanting to really absorb the details. You’ll find the triple expansion engine and three boilers still largely intact, covered in kelp and thick with small fish. Shoals of saithe often swirl around the larger structures, and if you look closely, butterfish and blennies peer from every crack. On a sunny day, the light plays through the water, making the metal glow. It’s a photographer’s dream and a perfect site for honing those buoyancy skills without the pressure of depth. We’d suggest going at high slack water; the visibility really opens up then, and you can spend an hour just drifting over the machinery, imagining the ship in its prime.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.747345, -3.067588
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Pentland Firth Islands

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 PENNSYLVANIA

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 PENNSYLVANIA

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 and maximum depths for scuba diving at popular sites in Pennsylvania?
The provided data specifically details the wreck site PENNSYLVANIA in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, which has a depth of 2 meters. However, the available information does not cover typical or maximum depths for popular scuba diving sites within the state of Pennsylvania, USA.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see in Pennsylvania's quarries and lakes?
The provided data describes the PENNSYLVANIA wreck site in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, as a 108m x 14.9m steam ship vessel, featuring three boilers and a triple expansion engine. This information does not include details about marine life or underwater attractions found in quarries and lakes within the state of Pennsylvania, USA.
How challenging is scuba diving in Pennsylvania, and are there dive sites suitable for beginner divers?
For the specific wreck site PENNSYLVANIA in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, the diving difficulty is classified as intermediate. The provided data does not offer general information on the challenge level of scuba diving across the state of Pennsylvania, USA, or identify sites suitable for beginner divers there.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Pennsylvania, considering water temperatures and visibility?
The provided data does not contain information regarding the best time of year to go scuba diving in the state of Pennsylvania, USA, nor does it detail typical water temperatures or visibility conditions for its dive sites. For general advice on optimal diving seasons, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
Are there specific scuba diving certifications required to dive in Pennsylvania, especially at state parks or popular quarries?
The provided data does not specify any scuba diving certifications required to dive in the state of Pennsylvania, USA, including at state parks or popular quarries. Divers should always ensure they hold appropriate certifications for their planned dives and consult local regulations.
What are the typical water conditions, including visibility and presence of currents or thermoclines, at Pennsylvania's dive sites?
The provided data does not include details about typical water conditions, such as visibility, currents, or thermoclines, for dive sites within the state of Pennsylvania, USA. This information is specific to individual dive locations and often varies seasonally.