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 .
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 hoax 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: (01856) 872856 or 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 hrs a day.
Dive briefings
A dive brief will be given for all the wrecks if and when
needed.
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.
Daylight
In the summer daylight is almost 20 hours a day, however in
the winter this can be as little as six.
