by TINA THOMAS, Portland Oceaneering ©
Portland Harbour is likely to be the first thing you see as you approach Portland along the causeway. It stretches over some 6,700 acres and is the largest man-made warm-water harbour in the world. Built in the Mid 19th century at a time when British pride and inspiration were at their peak, the awesome breakwaters were constructed with over 6 million tons of local Portland stone, quarried and laid by convicts.
Over the years, the Harbour has become home to some of the largest and finest vessels in the World and for the past 150 years, to the Royal Navy - vital for military training and the development of underwater weapons. The continued defence development saw the two final arms of breakwater completed in 1906 (as a counter measure against torpedo attack) and in 1914 battleship, HMS Hood was deliberately sunk to block the exposed south shipping channel. The Hood today is by far one of Portland's most popular diver training wrecks.
Since the MoD's withdrawal from the dockyard, the Harbour is under the control of Portland Port Ltd who are redeveloping these superb protected waters as a commercial and leisure port. Cruise Ships, Tall ships, Commercial vessels, windsurfers, jet skiers, divers, water-skiers, ferries and fishermen all share the same water space and regulation of the harbour has never been more important. With this in mind, Portland Port are upholding the Harbour Revision Order of 1997 in an endeavour to manage the harbour effectively and safely.
All harbour users are required to comply with the harbour regulations, especially the speed limits of 6 to 12 knots and to remain outside the controlled area. Remember to fly the 'A' Flag when diving and pass other dive boats at very slow speed.
Maintenance of the Breakwater and other appropriate areas is now underway, harbour lighting has been improved, underwater obstacles better buoyed and regulated, and any breaches endangering life will be observed and responded to by the Harbour Authority's new launch.
Education of harbour users unused to the activities of divers takes time, however Portland Port Limited will continue with improvements and fine tuning to ensure your safety is maximised and your stay enjoyable.
LAUNCH SITESSlipways at Ferrybridge, Castletown ,Weymouth and Portland Sailing Acedemy and Weymouth Harbour. It should be noted however, that although not all of the slipways carry a fee, nominal harbour dues are payable by any vessel using Portland Harbour for any activity - details from Portland Port Ltd.
DIVE PERMITSA permit is required to dive in some areas of the harbour (namely those adjacent to the Breakwater). Only one dive permit is required per group or club using their own vessel/s and can be valid for a day, week, season or a year. 2001's prices start from as little as £8.00 per day 0r £22.00 (7 day permit).. The above charges do not apply if using a local dive charter service already issued with a permit. For your own safety dive craft must display the 'A' Flag and maintain continuous VHF radio contact on channel 74.
For further details/permits contact Portland Port Ltd, Castletown, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1PP. Tel: 01305 824044 or e mail: a.baker.po@portland-port.co.uk. Permits are also available from: Bluecastle Chandlers, Castletown; Ferrybridge Marine Services, Ferrybridge; Old Harbour Dive Centre, Nothe Parade, and Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy, Former Air Station, Portland.
THE WRECKS 1 - COUNTESS OF ERNE(Permit Required)
Built as a passenger carrying cargo paddle steamer in early the 1880s working the Dublin to Holyhead route, the Countess of Erne was converted into a coal hulk in 1889 where she worked within the confines of Portland Harbour. Breaking free from her moorings on the evening of 16 September 1935, she holed herself on the inner wall of the North East arm of the Harbour and rapidly sank.
Although much of the superstructure is gone, she lies upright in no more than 10-14m (depending on the tide). A lovely shallow dive, home to much marine life wrasse, pollock, pipe-fish, crabs and lobsters and there is still much to see of the wreck, the prop is still in place as is the rudder, bow and stern. The Countess can be dived at any state of the tide and makes an ideal wreck penetration training exercise, although the seabed is silty and to maintain visibility care should be taken.
2 - HMS HOOD
(Permit Required)
A Royal Sovereign class battleship of awesome proportions, the Hood was launched at Chatham in 1891 and was taken out of service in 1911 only to be used for torpedo practice at Portsmouth by the Royal Navy. After being towed to Portland, the Hood was consigned to the seabed on 4 November 1914 in a bid to protect Portland from submarine attack on anchored ships during the First World War.
The wreck now lies keel up in 15-18m of water and although a great training wreck for many years, after over 80 years in her present location, is beginning to deteriorate. Much can still be seen though, marine life is prolific, especially in summer look out for Pollack, crabs, lobsters, cod, bass, and pipe-fish. If you're lucky you might also catch a glimpse of the odd John Dory or even a Blenny! The wreck interior is accessible, but only for the more experienced diver, even then, with caution. It's fascinating to see the engine room, with much of the remaining machinery hanging from the 'ceiling'! The Hood is probably the most difficult dive in the harbour to the infrequent visitor because its currents are among the strongest in the area. Best dived at slack (High Water and 4 hours before HW).
Contrary to many worries, Portland Port Ltd has no plans to attempt to remove HMS Hood. In the interests of navigational safety they have in fact issued a reminder to all harbour users that the South Shipping Channel remains closed to navigation. But always be aware of vessels passing over the wreck!
3 - THE ENECURI (also referred to as THE SPANIARD)
(Permit Required + advance notification to HM)
A 3000-ton Spanish Steamship, about which very little is known concerning her history. On 28 December 1900 during a force nine north-westerly gale she dragged her anchor and went aground on rocks close to Breakwater Fort. The lifeboat was unable to render assistance due to the severity of the weather, however the crew of twenty-six were able to escape to the harbour wall and were saved by the Chief Engineer who heroically swam to shore with a line attached to him. Despite the advice of the coastguard, and for reasons unknown, the Captain and his dog boarded the vessel the next day and made no attempt to escape when the Enecuri finally slipped off the Breakwater and sank. A few years later, divers working on the wreck discovered his skeleton and that of his dog in the cabin.
Badly silted and well broken up, the Enecuri lies at the foot of the wall in 12m of water, almost unrecognisable as the great Steamship she once was. Lying along her port side, is a Pontoon, quite prolific in marine life.
4 - BOMBARDON UNIT
(Permit Required)
A 2nd world war experimental wave breaking unit and can only be described as a star shaped barge surrounded by lots of hatches and girders? Although in only 15m of water, the bed on which it lies is very silty. Directly alongside is a barge with rudder and propeller still intact.
5 - LCU
(Permit Required + advance notification to HM)
A Landing Craft Utility with the bow doors open. The wreck is intact and home to much marine life. At a depth of about 12-15m and on a silty bed. Care should be taken if entering the wreck and only then by the more experienced diver.
6 - DREDGER
(Permit Required)
The wreck known as the Dredger was possibly once a sand Dredger. Makes an excellent training site as it is only in 10m of water and unlike much of the harbour, lies on a sandy bottom. Lying in a sheltered spot (apart from in an easterly), with no tidal worries, this site is easily accessible by boat. The wreckage is very broken - although it is possible to identify 2 sections, one of approx 12m and one of about 6m, though they are some distance apart. Good first dive with varied marine life.
NO PERMIT REQUIREDThe majority of Portland's Harbour wrecks can still be dived without the need of a permit. The shore dives are still FREE, and if bringing your own vessel cost as little as £2 per day*.
7 - NEWTON'S COVE - SHORE DIVE
Ideal training location with interesting rocky area. Only 5-8m depth. Best at HW.
8 - FERRY BRIDGE - SHORE DIVE
Some sheltered diving under the Ferrybridge. Dive at slack water (1hr after HW Portland). Depth 5-8m. Look out for the underwater trail.
9 - YACHT - RECENT WRECK
20ft Fiberglas yacht. Good navigation exercise.
10 - HAM - WRECK
At a depth of only 8m, a good beginner's dive - Once a soft wooden vessel, now broken wreckage lying on a silty harbour bed in a sheltered position, no currents.
11 - VIXON - WRECK
Fuselage of a Vixon aircraft deliberately sunk and used for underwater escape and lifting exercises by the Royal Navy. A large lobster, the size of a small dog is reported to live there - watch out!
12 - OIL TANK BEACH - SHORE DIVE
Shallow dive - good snorkelling. Harbour bed almost pure sand - good visibility - Ideal beginner site.
13 - HIMALAYA - WRECK
When launched in 1853 she was the largest three masted steamer in the world and weighed a massive 4,600 tons. After serving in the Crimean war, as one of the largest troopships, she was sold as a coal hulk and anchored in Portland Harbour. Four bombs dropped by German JU-88 Aircraft on her deck on 12th June 1940 consigned her to the seabed. Her Scattered remains now lie at a depth of about 12m. Take care though, of the four bombs dropped, only three were reported to have detonated!
14 - LCT - WRECK
Wreck, pretty much intact in 17-20m - Hard to find on sounder but easy dive. Very silty. One of the many tank and infantry landing craft to be found in Portland waters, sunk during preparation of the D-Day landings of June 1944.
15 - BALACLAVA BAY / GROVE POINT BEACHES
Varies from 12 to 30m in depth along rocky ledges prolific in marine life. Balaclava Bay makes an excellent night dive in good vis. Good training spot and drift dive. Beware of strong currents especially at Grove Point!
*Based on vessel up to 6.1m when paying daily harbour dues and using the FREE Castletown slipway and diving in a no permit area of the harbour or passing through Portland Harbour waters to dive one of Portland's other many excellent diving sites (where no restrictions currently exist).
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Castletown, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1PP, England
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This page last updated 22 December 2000