Wreck of MTB 712 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Noord Braband is a fantastic dive, especially if you’re into the sheer scale of the Scapa Flow wrecks but want something a bit different from the battleships. We love how her bow is completely blown apart, a chaotic tangle of steel that just screams history. Dropping down, you’ll likely hit the seabed around 24 metres, then make your way up over the stern, which sits shallower, around 15 metres. What really gets us about the Noord Braband is the swim-throughs. Not just easy passages, but proper internal exploration through the engine room and the huge coal bunkers. Bring a good torch; inside, it's properly dark and incredibly atmospheric, with coalfish darting through the light beam. Keep an eye out for the resident lumpsuckers clinging to the plating, and the colourful patches of crumb-of-bread sponge that brighten up the gloom. She’s a big wreck, so you’ll want a couple of dives to really get a feel for her, perhaps one focusing on the bow, another on the stern and engine room. Expect mild to moderate currents here, especially on larger tides, so plan your dive with the local operators.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.857925, -3.161431
Type
wreck

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 Wreck of MTB 712

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 Wreck of MTB 712

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