TOMMELINE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Tommeline is a Scapa Flow wreck with a story. She’s a fishing vessel that grounded and sank back in '88, supposedly due to a sleepy watchkeeper. You'll find her sitting upright at 26 metres, largely intact, which always makes for a more immersive dive. What we love about the Tommeline is the immediate sense of scale you get when she looms out of the green. Her wheelhouse is still there, allowing for some straightforward penetration if you’re comfortable. We’ve spent plenty of time exploring the hold, too, often packed with schooling pollack. Keep an eye out for the resident wrasse darting between the deck fittings. Visibility can be hit or miss in Scapa, so we always suggest checking the local conditions before heading out. Our favourite time to dive her is on a slack tide, when you can really take your time and appreciate the details, from the sturdy winches to the propeller at the stern. She’s a great choice for divers keen on wrecks but perhaps not ready for the sheer size of the battleships.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.332973, -3.070918
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
26m

Marine Protected Area: Noup Cliffs

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 TOMMELINE

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 TOMMELINE

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