BAKU STANDARD - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The *Baku Standard* is a proper piece of history, and we love a wreck with a story. Sitting upright at 44 metres, she’s a big tanker, over 100 metres long, sunk by a mine back in 1918. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, often shrouded in a green twilight, and the sheer scale starts to sink in. We always head for the midships, where the two huge boilers are, and the triple-expansion engine. It’s an imposing sight, everything encrusted with plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying in the current. Visibility can be a gamble, as with many East Coast sites, but when it’s good, the detail on the wreck is fantastic. You’ll find wolf fish tucked into crevices, their grumpy faces peering out, and often a few ling hanging around the deeper sections. Our favourite part is navigating the holds, seeing the huge cargo spaces now home to crabs and lobsters. It’s a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the challenge and the atmosphere of a deep, historical wreck. Come prepared for cold water, bring good lights, and a proper drysuit.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.808610, -2.214358
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
44m

Wreck History - BAKU STANDARD

Year Sunk
1918
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
3,708 GRT

The S.S. 'BAKU STANDARD' was a steam-powered tanker built in 1893 by the renowned W.G. Armstrong, Mitchell & Co. shipyard. For a quarter of a century, she plied the seas, a workhorse of the early oil industry. Her service coincided with the outbreak of World War I, a perilous time for merchant shipping. On February 11, 1918, while sailing off the Scottish coast, she became a target of the German U-boat UB-86. A single torpedo struck the vessel, sealing her fate. The 'BAKU STANDARD' sank beneath the cold North Sea waves, becoming another casualty of the unrestricted submarine warfare that defined the era.

Today, the 'BAKU STANDARD' lies at a depth of 44 meters, making her an exciting challenge for experienced and technically certified divers. The wreck is a classic North Sea dive: dark, atmospheric, and rich with history. Divers can explore the remains of this late-Victorian vessel, identifying key features like her two large boilers and the triple-expansion steam engine mentioned in her original specifications. The wreck is a poignant memorial to the Great War's maritime conflict, offering a deep, rewarding dive into a significant moment in history.

Marine Protected Area: Milton Ness

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to BAKU STANDARD

Marine Life in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Home to 126 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 12 whales & dolphins, 10 seagrass & algae, 10 sharks & rays, 9 crabs & lobsters, 8 other.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at the 'BAKU STANDARD' dive sites?
The typical diving depth at the BAKU STANDARD dive site is 44 meters. This makes it a deeper dive, suitable for experienced divers exploring the historic wreck. The site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving near Baku?
The primary underwater feature divers can expect to see at the BAKU STANDARD dive site is the impressive wreck of a tanker vessel. This historic wreck, built in 1893 and sunk in 1918, measures 100.9m x 13.1m and features two boilers and a triple expansion engine. The provided data does not specify details about marine life in this particular area, but you can explore general marine life information on DivePlnr.
Is diving at 'BAKU STANDARD' suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered more challenging?
Diving at the BAKU STANDARD is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a depth of 44 meters and its classification as a dangerous wreck, it is not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for such challenging conditions.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in the Baku area for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the BAKU STANDARD dive site does not include information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might explore our When to Dive section. Always check local conditions before planning your dive.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at the 'BAKU STANDARD' sites, and are permits needed?
The provided data for the BAKU STANDARD dive site does not specify required scuba diving certifications or whether permits are needed. Given its intermediate difficulty and 44-meter depth, advanced certifications for deep or wreck diving would typically be recommended. Always consult with local dive operators for specific requirements.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at the 'BAKU STANDARD' dive sites in the Caspian Sea?
The provided data does not detail the typical water conditions or currents at the BAKU STANDARD dive site. It is important to note that this site is located off the Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, not in the Caspian Sea as the question implies. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts before planning a dive.