Alternative Names: None
Type of Dive: Churchill Barrier 3 is a great shore dive on the Churchill barrier block ships.
Suggested Experience: Novice with an Instructor.
Travel directions: On the road between Kirkwall and Burray, on the Weddell Sound on a small holm known as Glimps Holm. You cannot miss the spot as some of the shipwrecks can be seen above water.
Parking directions: There are parking spaces on the north and south of the barrier.
Lat & Long: 58.870205, -2.912978 Google
Tides: Tide tables Best dived at High tide.
Depth: 15m max
Site entry/exit: Entry/exit for the SS Reginald is very easy from the south shore by simply walking into the water and head north.
Entry/exit for the SS Empire Seaman, SS Martis and the SS Gartshore is easy from the north shore by simply walking into the water. Almost as soon as you get into the water you see the propeller, rudder and prop shaft of the SS Gartshore.
Underwater directions: There are four shore divable wrecks and the SS Clio, which can only be dived by boat. The SS Empire Seaman, SS Reginald, SS Martis and SS Gartshore are all Single Screw Steel Steamers. The Empire Seaman is possibly the most enjoyable to dive of all the barrier Blockships. She remains relatively intact and as such provides numerous swim throughs and points of interest. The Martis is in similar condition to the Empire Seaman supporting a vast range of sea life. The Gartshore is a Blockship from WWI, she is very broken up yet the propeller, rudder and prop shaft can still be distinguished. The Reginald is the Iconic wreck which can be seen from the Barrier, The Lapland is totally collapsed and lies directly beneath the concrete causeway.
Air & Nitrox: Scapa scuba
Site Hazards:
Nearest Public phone: None close to here.
Mobile Network service: Contact me
Accommodation:
Other comments: The Churchill Barriers can be used as a drysuit course site or for dive kit checkup.
Pub: The Ferry Inn The Stromness Hotel
Cafe: Julia's Cafe Bistro
Version: 1
Thanks To: Scapa flow historical wreck site
Links: Churchill barrier 2
Created by: John Nicolson
Date: 20/4/18
Surface Photos: John Nicolson
Underwater Photos: Utube Utube Contact me
Dive sitemap: John Nicolson The red spot is the SS Reginald stern the blue spot is the Reginald bow, its broken in two., the green spot is the SS Empire Seaman the black spot is the SS Martis and the yellow spot is the SS Gartshore.
Dive Report: Comment in the box below.