CONTENDER - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The *Contender* isn't your average trawler wreck. We love how she sits, upright and relatively intact, almost as if she just dropped anchor for a quick stop. Built in Aberdeen in 1930, you can still make out the lines of a working vessel, her single boiler a hulking presence amidships, and the triple-expansion engine a tangled sculpture of iron. We’ve found the stern section often holds the most interest, with lobsters tucked into every crevice and the occasional wolf fish eyeing you from the gloom. This isn’t a deep dive, but the Scottish East Coast can throw up some choppy conditions. Pick a slack tide and aim for a calm day to fully appreciate her. Visibility, even on a good day, means getting up close and personal, running your hand along the encrusted plating. It’s a dive for those who enjoy a bit of history, a bit of exploration, and don't mind a chill in the water. For us, it’s a proper, atmospheric wreck dive, full of character and the quiet hum of marine life getting on with things.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.374780, -1.885013
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Collieston to Whinnyfold Coast

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to CONTENDER

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 maximum depth at the Contender dive site?
The Contender dive site, a fascinating wreck located off the Scottish East Coast, has a reported depth of 0m. This indicates it is an extremely shallow site, likely visible from the surface or just below.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can be seen at the Contender dive site?
The Contender is a former trawler vessel, built in 1930, offering interesting wreck features for divers. You can explore remnants of its structure, including its single boiler, triple expansion engine, and single shaft. The wreck, measuring 37.3m x 6.9m, is classified as a wreck showing any portion of its hull or superstructure.
How challenging is diving the Contender wreck for recreational divers?
Diving the Contender wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, making it suitable for recreational divers with some experience. Divers should be comfortable with wreck diving techniques and conditions typically found in the Scottish East Coast.
What is the best time of year to dive the Contender site for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the Contender site for optimal conditions, such as specific water temperatures or seasonal visibility, is not provided in the available data. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Contender?
While specific scuba diving certifications required for the Contender dive site are not explicitly detailed in the provided data, its classification as an intermediate difficulty wreck dive suggests that divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. A Wreck Diver Specialty certification would be highly recommended to safely explore the features of this historic trawler.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Contender dive site?
Details regarding the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Contender dive site are not available in the provided data. Divers planning to visit this Scottish East Coast wreck should inquire with local dive operators for the most current conditions.