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A Weeks Holiday: Details and FAQ
Please feel free to phone and ask about any of the details provided here: we have a snail mail brochure too with other relevant details.
A weeks diving usually runs from Saturday to Saturday to fit in with the ferry timetable. The Halton is based in Stromness so is only a short walk away from the St Ola. 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 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. Many folk have been to Scapa Flow before and have a good idea of what they would like to see. For those that are new to the Flow, 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. Although it can be intimidating at first, the ladder is quickly mastered. Scapa Flow has a reputation for being deep dark and dangerous. The reality is very different: with such a varied range of sites almost all grades of diver can be catered for from novice 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! There are twelve 12L cylinders provided aboard the Halton 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: please bring your own belt.
Nitrox is also available at a cost of 1p per litre so a 12L of 32% would cost £3.84. If other gasses, such as Helium and Argon, are wanted, please get in touch before coming. You will need to bring your own O2 analyser.
There is a wide selection of accommodation available in Stromness, from B&Bs to hotels. We would be happy to help you book somewhere, just give us a ring, or alternatively you can make your own arrangements. The best starting point would be the Orkney Tourist Board: (01856) 872856 or 850716. Despite the distance, Orkney is well connected with the mainland. There are two main fery companys 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. Again the best source of information is the Orkney Tourist Board though we would be happy to help with any booking arrangements. The Halton carries an oxygen set for use in emergency situations. There is now a hyperbaric chamber on 24/7 standby in Stromness so help is not far away should the worst happen. The best vis 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. Occasionally there is an algae bloom, but this rarely lasts for more than a few days. The temperature varies from 6°C at the start of the season to the warmest of 12°C in September. Celnet and Vodafone signals are good in Scapa Flow (including Stromness) with only a few blank spots. One2one and Orange users should think about bringing a supply of 10p pieces for the payphones on the pier!
Bob Anderson: bob@mvhalton.co.uk Tel:(01856) 851532
©Halton Charters
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