PITWINES - Scottish East Coast & Borders

Pitwines sits in pretty deep water, and we think that’s part of its charm. Dropping onto the deck at 45 metres, you’re often greeted by a surprising amount of light, even here. The wreck itself, an old steamship, is well-preserved, her structure still largely intact despite the years. We particularly love poking around the boiler, which stands proud amidst the growth, a real magnet for schooling pollack. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs, often the colourful, frilly kind, clinging to the metalwork. The bow section is a personal favourite, often providing shelter for conger eels, so keep an eye out for their heads peeking from the gloom. This isn’t a rummage-through-the-cargo kind of dive; it’s more about appreciating the scale and history of the vessel, how the sea has slowly reclaimed it. Pitwines is definitely one for experienced divers comfortable with deeper profiles and the generally chillier Scottish temperatures. It’s a proper wreck dive, rewarding those who take their time to explore its character.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.738464, -0.996654
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

Marine Protected Area: Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to PITWINES

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 range at PITWINES, and are there any particularly deep or shallow areas to explore?
The typical diving depth at PITWINES is 45 meters. As a wreck dive, the main features are found consistently at this depth, offering a deep dive experience. Divers should be prepared for a dive to 45m to fully explore the site.
What kind of marine life and underwater features, such as coral reefs or wrecks, can divers expect to see at PITWINES?
Divers at PITWINES can expect to explore a fascinating wreck - a steam ship vessel measuring 63.8m x 9.6m. This non-dangerous wreck, sunk on November 20, 1941, provides an excellent artificial reef structure. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks typically attract a variety of local fish and invertebrates, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How would you rate the difficulty of diving at PITWINES, and is it suitable for beginner, intermediate, or advanced divers?
Diving at PITWINES is rated as intermediate difficulty. This means it is best suited for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications. While not recommended for absolute beginners, intermediate divers will find it a rewarding and manageable dive.
What is the best time of year to dive at PITWINES for optimal visibility, calm conditions, and marine life encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility, calm conditions, or marine life encounters at PITWINES. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the Scottish East Coast, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended to safely dive at PITWINES?
Given the 45-meter depth and intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess certifications suitable for deep diving and wreck diving. An Advanced Open Water certification, along with specialized deep diver training, is highly recommended to safely explore PITWINES. Always ensure your training matches the dive conditions.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at PITWINES, and how do they change with tides or weather?
The available data does not provide specific details on typical current or visibility conditions at PITWINES, nor how they change with tides or weather. Divers planning to visit this Scottish East Coast site should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions and forecasts.