Portland
Portland in Dorset benefits from miles of coastline with a variety of different habitats from reefs to an abundance of historic shipwrecks. This variety and accessibility makes Dorset a paradise for divers at all levels and from our Portland base Scimitar diving is in the perfect location to exploit this natural bounty. The area is probably most famous for the extensive variety of wreckage scattered around the coast. There are wrecks suitable for all levels of diving from the beginner to the most experienced technical divers and the wrecks represent every historic watercraft. Old sailing vessels with precious cargos to relics of the two World Wars there really is something for everyone.
The Boat
Scimitar is named after a Royal Navy fast attack training ship that operated from Portland Harbour. She is a South Boat 11m catamaran, renowned for speed and stability, commercially certified to carry 12 divers up to 60 miles off shore. She has twin 400 HP, Caterpillar engines, and cruises at 17 Knots.
For your comfort and convenience the boat is fitted with a hydraulic dive lift on the stern which means you are lifted out of the sea easily and safely.
Thorough safety briefings are given before departure and dive briefs given on arrival at the site. In addition to the safety equipment required by law, Scimitar has a defibrillator, extensive first aid kit and oxygen.
Diving
Aeolian Sky – with holds full of general cargo, the 16;000 tonne ship sunk in 1979 after colliding with the German coaster , Anna Knuepell 20 miles off Guernsey. She was trying to make safe harbour in Portland at the time her sinking. She lies on her port side and due to the area she rests in , the visibility’s generally very good. There are however strong currents running through this area and she should be dived at slack water only. The Aeolian Sky sits on the seabed at 31 metres. Second dive TBA.
Requirements
The trip cost is for the charter dive boat only. You are required to bring the following:
- 2 full 12 or 10 Ltr tanks for the day
- Your own travel arrangements
- Your dive equipment
- Minimum qualification is PADI Deep Speciality or BSAC Sports Diver
Deposit Required: £80
Please note: the deposit is non-refundable unless cancelled by the Skipper.
Current Availability: 8 spaces
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