PINNACE 744 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Pinnace 744 in Scapa Flow isn't one of the grand battleships, but we think it’s a brilliant dive, especially if you’re looking for a relaxed exploration. Lying in a shallow 14 metres, this picket boat offers fantastic visibility on a good day, often a surprise in these northern waters. We love gliding over its wooden hull, still largely intact, and poking our heads into the small, open compartments. This site is great for newer drysuit divers or anyone wanting to spend some quality time with a piece of history without deep decompression stops. You'll find plenty of inquisitive wrasse darting in and out of the timbers, and we’ve often spotted the occasional squat lobster tucked away. We’d suggest going at slack water, as even mild currents can make photography tricky on smaller wrecks. It’s a beautifully preserved example of a working vessel from 1919, a proper glimpse into the past.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.828472, -3.182132
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

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 PINNACE 744

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 PINNACE 744

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