SWIFTSURE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Swiftsure, a motor vessel sunk in 1917, offers a really interesting dive in Scapa Flow. Lying at 31m, she’s pretty intact, a classic tramp steamer with her bow pointing west. You can spend a good hour exploring the single boiler and triple expansion engine, which are still very much in place. The hull is draped in dead man’s fingers and anemones, and we’ve often spotted conger eels tucked into the darker recesses. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, it’s a calm, meditative dive, great for those looking for a piece of history without the crowds of the German High Seas Fleet wrecks.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.019016, -2.751633
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
31m

Marine Protected Area: Auskerry

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 SWIFTSURE

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 SWIFTSURE

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 diving depths at Swiftsure Bank?
The Swiftsure wreck in Scapa Flow is typically dived at a depth of 31 meters. This depth allows divers to explore the remains of the motor vessel, which sank in 1917.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Swiftsure Bank?
Divers at the Swiftsure wreck can expect to explore the remains of a 60m x 9m motor vessel, built in 1894 and sunk in 1917. The wreck itself, with its single boiler, triple expansion engine, and single shaft, serves as the main underwater feature. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species over time.
How challenging is diving at Swiftsure Bank, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving the Swiftsure wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its depth of 31 meters and classification as a dangerous wreck, it is not typically suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for wreck diving at this depth.
When is the best time of year to dive Swiftsure Bank for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data for the Swiftsure wreck does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on diving in the United Kingdom, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving Swiftsure Bank?
Given the intermediate difficulty and a depth of 31 meters, divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent for the Swiftsure wreck. As it is classified as a dangerous wreck, specialized wreck diving training and experience are highly recommended to safely explore this historical site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Swiftsure Bank?
The available data for the Swiftsure wreck does not include specific details on typical current conditions or visibility. Divers planning to visit Scapa Flow should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on site conditions.