| Scapa Flow is the top wreck
diving location of the northern hemisphere and home to the
scuttled German High Seas Fleet. On
the 21st June 1919 more than 70 ships, almost the entire German
Navy, were scuttled under the orders of Admiral von Reuter.
Isolated from any source of current news, he feared that the
armistice negotiations would break down and took this drastic
action rather than let the ships fall into British hands .Today
the magnificent seven remain: Cöln, Brummer, Karlsruhe,
Dresden, Kronprinz Wilhelm, Markgraf, and König. They
lie on the seabed of Scapa Flow preserving a snapshot of naval
history, well within the limits of recreational divers on
SCUBA gear.
Map
of Scarpa here
Today these wrecks lie between 20-50m below
the surface, most in close proximity to the small island of
Cava.
Also dotted around Scapa Flow lie the remains
of other ships, casualties of different circumstances.
Being almost fully enclosed by a ring of islands,
there is a sheltered site in Scapa Flow in almost all weather
conditions: the diving season runs from March to November.
our
skipper Bob Anderson
The weeks diving runs from Saturday to Saturday
to fit in with the ferry timetable. The Halton is based in
Stromness
Diving starts Sunday morning and the choice
of destinations is fairly flexible: the only real constraints
are the times for slack water and the weather. The usual choice
is for a deeper dive in the morning followed by something
shallow in the afternoon. Surface intervals can be tailored
to suit, and this usually incorporates a stop off for lunch.
The important point to stress is that all the arrangements
are flexible and can be changed to suit individual requirements.
Bob the skipper can
advise the best plan of action. It should be possible to dive
most of the German Fleet and Burra
Sound in the week.
The Halton is equipped with a central spine
ladder to recover divers from the water. we used the ladder
with twin sets and stages last year with no problems
have
a look at the layout of the boat here
Scapa has such a varied range of sites almost
all grades of diver can be catered for from advanced to trimix.
Often neglected are the scenic sites which match anywhere
else in the UK.
All in all, Scapa Flow is the perfect dive
destination, sheltered from the weather, no tide times to
worry about on the German Fleet and a range of dives from
0-60m!
Getting
to Orkney
Flights go to Kirkwall form London via Glasgow
a taxi from Kirkwall to Stromness is about £15 there
is also a bus service , journey time about 45 minutes
Despite the distance, Orkney is well connected
with the mainland. There are two main ferry companies running
back and forth to the mainland:
Northlink took over from P&O in the autumn
of 2002 and now operate the Scrabster and Aberdeen routes.
The Pentalina B is rapidly gaining popularity,
running a shorter crossing into the south of Orkney. Although
not as convenient as arrival in Stromness this route has proven
itself cheaper when compared to Northlink.
The best source of information is the Orkney
Tourist Board though Big Squid are happy to advise on
travel arrangements and will try to organize lift share where
possible.
Visibility and Temperature
The best visibility is at the start and end
of the season and can be as good as 20m on the German Fleet
which averages around 10m in mid summer. Burra and Hoxa Sounds
are always clearer than the middle of the Flow.
The water temperature is at its warmest of
the year 12°C in September. Unless you a bit mad you will
require a dry suit for this trip.
Bottles and weights
and gas
There are twelve 12L cylinders provided aboard
the Halton as well as some 15L and air fills for the week
are included in the charter price. Lead weights are also available
in 4 and 6lb (2 and 3kg) blocks: you will need your own weight
belt
Included:
6 days diving on board mv halton and 7 nights accommodation
on board
Not included:
dive equipment, £20 per day,dry suit hire £25 per day, nitrox,
meals , getting there, transfers
For more information contact Big Squid now!
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