Frequently Asked Questions

The Itinerary

The weeks diving is essentially planned by the divers. The skipper can give you guidance on where to go and what the tides are doing. Most groups will aim to dive the seven German wrecks through the week but obviously this can be tailored to suit.

Dive briefings

Dive briefings are our speciality – accurate and detailed briefings are available aboard the MV Radiant Queen for each dive. We have over 20 years combined experience diving Scapa Flow.

Bottles, Weights and Gas

12 and 15 litre bottles are included (one each) all O₂ clean, 3kg and 2kg weights are also provided but please bring your own belts. Please note these are block weights not shot pouches. If you require a shot belt you will need to bring your own. Nitrox is available on board at an extra cost. Trimix by arrangement.

Accommodation

There is plenty of accommodation in and around Stromness from B&Bs to hotels. Please see accommodation section for frequently used businesses.

Getting to Orkney - where is it

For those not in the know Orkney is at the top of Scotland and can be reached by trains, planes and automobiles, see the Orkney tourist board website for you best travel options.

Emergency O₂

Plenty of emergency O₂ on board with a mask and regulator.

Visibility and Temperature

Water temperature can range from 5c to 13c so dry suits are recommended, visibility obviously is variable however a good average is around 10m with certain sites - i.e. Burra sound and Hoxa sound getting a regular 20m.

Mobile phone coverage

Most networks are fine except Orange, there is a payphone in Stromness!

Useful contact numbers

Orkney Tourist Board: 0185) 872856 / 850716
Northlink Ferries: 0845 6000 449
Pentland Ferries: 01856 831226
British Airways: call 0870 850 9850
Ridgway Travel & Holiday Centre: 01856 873359

Hyberbaric chamber

Stromness has its own hyperbaric facility which is on call 24 hours a day.

Equipment hire

Apart from the bottles and weights no other equipment is available on board however a full range off equipment can be hired through Scapa Scuba with prior notice.