The National Diving & Activity Centre

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Notice of NDAC Chepstow site closure

The National Diving & Activity Centre (NDAC) Chepstow site is permanently closed.

We’d like to thank all our customers for their support over the years.

Notice of site closure

The National Diving & Activity Centre is permanently closed. We are not taking bookings for leisure activities or public diving.

We’d like to thank all our customers for their support over the years.

Activities & Events

Site Facilities

Diving Information

Centre Information

National Diving & Activity Centre
Tidenham
Chepstow
Gloucestershire
NP16 7LQ
 
Tel: 
 
 
email

NDAC Scuba Diving Attractions

The National Diving & Activity Centre's inland scuba centre has a wide range of underwater attractions at a range of depths. These include planes, armoured vehicles, sunken boats and helicopters.

A selection of our underwater diving attractions are listed below, for full details and locations please download a copy of our underwater site map.

Land Rover Lagoon

Landrover Lagoon

Map Code A1

Depth 7m

Details
Landrover Lagoon is the first attraction that you will come across if you head North from the pontoon at a depth of 7m.


Training Platforms
Training Platforms

Training Platforms

Map Code tbc

Depth 7m

Details
We have three training platforms on the site that have been constructed from 40ft x 20ft Shipping Containers.

These provide not only provide a stable, safe and exciting training platform but also act as a great swim-through attraction.

Before placing them in the water we did a great deal of work on the containers; drilling holes, cutting metal, and constructing wooden floors. As you would expect a great deal of preparation work was undertaken to ensure both front and back panels were completely removed and all sharp areas taken away. We also welded on a 2ft hand rail to each of the new training platforms that cover 3 sides of the top.

The training platforms are more than capable of each taking up to 12 students at a time.

All the units have been painted white with a massive stencil informing you all that they are training platforms, so there are no excuses for getting lost!


Cruiser

Cruiser

Map Code tbc

Depth 10m

Details
This cruiser can be found between two training tables along the northern wall of the quarry.


Underwater Scuba Diver Training Platform
Underwater Scuba Training Platforms

Training Platforms

Map Code tbc

Depth 10m

Details
We have three training platforms on the site that have been constructed from 40ft x 20ft Shipping Containers.

These provide not only provide a stable, safe and exciting training platform but also act as a great swim-through attraction.

Before placing them in the water we did a great deal of work on the containers; drilling holes, cutting metal, and constructing wooden floors. As you would expect a great deal of preparation work was undertaken to ensure both front and back panels were completely removed and all sharp areas taken away. We also welded on a 2ft hand rail to each of the new training platforms that cover 3 sides of the top.

The training platforms are more than capable of each taking up to 12 students at a time.

All the units have been painted white with a massive stencil informing you all that they are training platforms, so there are no excuses for getting lost!


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British Aerospace Jetstream 200

British Aerospace Jetstream 200

Map Code A6

Depth 11m

Details
This attraction arrived on the site towards the end of 2006 and can be found at the north end of the quarry between 2 training platforms.

Originally designed as a light passenger and business aircraft, the Jetstream now serves additionally as a Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm crew trainer. After the prototype flew in August 1967, Jetstream development costs forced the original manufacturer, the Handley Page company, out of business in 1970. A succession of companies kept the design alive immediately after this and Scottish Aviation at Prestwick took over in 1972 with a production order for 26 multi-engined pilot training aircraft for the RAF.


Royal Air Force (RAF) Wessex Helicopter Mk5
Royal Air Force (RAF) Wessex Helicopter Mk5

Royal Air Force (RAF) Wessex Helicopter Mk5

Map Code A28

Depth 17m

Details
This attraction is one of two Wessex helicopters sourced from the Royal Navy which arrived at the National Diving & Activity Centre on 7th November 2007.

After a great deal or work making the attraction diver friendly; on 17th December 2007, it was carefully lowered into the water by a 100 tonne crane with help from Police Specialist Underwater & Search teams, along with representatives from the Army, Navy and RAF.††

History
The Wessex was developed under license by Westland Aircraft, initially for the Royal Navy, but later for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The Wessex was built at Westland's factory at Yeovil in Somerset.

The early Wessex helicopters were first used by the RAF in 1962, and did not finally retire until January 2003, being the main transport helicopter until the introduction of the Puma.

The Navy pressed the development of the Wessex into the improved Mk3, coming into service in 1967. A later version of the Wessex used by the Royal Marine Commandos was the Mk5.

Specifications
General characteristics

  • Crew: Two pilots

  • Capacity: 16 troops or 8 stretchers

  • Length: 65 ft 8 in (20.03 m)

  • Rotor diameter: 56 ft 0 in (17.07 m)

  • Height: 16 ft 2 in (4.93 m)

  • Disc area: 2,463 ft2 (229 m2)

  • Empty weight: 8,304 lb (3,767 kg)

  • Max takeoff weight: 13,500 lb (6,123 kg)

  • Powerplant: 2* Rolls-Royce Gnome turboshaft, 1,535 shp (1,150 kW) each


Performance

  • Maximum speed: 133 mph (212 km/h)

  • Range: 480 miles (km)

  • Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,050 m)

  • Disc loading: 5.5 lb/ft2 (26.7 kg/m2)

  • Power/mass: 0.11 hp/lb (0.19 kW/kg)


Training Platforms
Training Platforms

Scuba Training Platforms

Map Code tbc

Depth 8m

Details
We have three training platforms on the site that have been constructed from 40ft x 20ft Shipping Containers.

These provide not only provide a stable, safe and exciting training platform but also act as a great swim-through attraction.

Before placing them in the water we did a great deal of work on the containers; drilling holes, cutting metal, and constructing wooden floors. As you would expect a great deal of preparation work was undertaken to ensure both front and back panels were completely removed and all sharp areas taken away. We also welded on a 2ft hand rail to each of the new training platforms that cover 3 sides of the top.

The training platforms are more than capable of each taking up to 12 students at a time.

All the units have been painted white with a massive stencil informing you all that they are training platforms, so there are no excuses for getting lost!


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Alvis Stalwart Amphibious Vehicle 'Stolly'
Alvis Stalwart Amphibious Vehicle 'Stolly'

Alvis Stalwart Amphibious Vehicle 'Stolly'

Map Code A7

Depth 11m

Details
Designed in 1959 this 6x6 wheeled truck/boat is an Amphibious armoured vehicle with waterjet propulsion. It's role was that of general amphibious transport truck, many units being fitted with a hydraulic crane and raised central canvas tilt support.Unfortunately, rapid technical advancement in helicopter design rendered its usefulness in all-terrain load carrying prematurely obsolete. Which is why we have one sat at the bottom of our quarry!


Over 1400 of these vehicles were produced, ending in 1971. This vehicle was declared obsolete in 1992.

This attraction can be found between one of our training platforms and the Alvis Saracen Troop Carrier.


Size 6.35m x 2.62m x 3.12m
Weight 6.5 tonne
Max Road Speed 40 mph
Max Water Speed 5 knots


For more details on this fascinating vehicle please click here>


Alvis Saracen Troop Carrier
Alvis Saracen Troop Carrier

Alvis Saracen Troop Carrier

Map Code A8

Depth 11m

Details
Weighing in at 11 tonne The FV 603 Saracen is a six-wheeled armoured personnel carrier built by Alvis and used by the British Army.

This attraction can be found South East of the Stalwart Ambhibious vehicle at a depth of 11 metres

Length 4.8 m

Width 2.54 m

Height 2.46 m

Weight 11 t

Suspension 6 x 6 wheel

Speed 72 km/h road, 32 km/h off-road


Cruiser

Sunken Cruiser

Map Code tbc

Depth 18m

Details
This cruiser can be found next to the training table along the eastern wall of the quarry.


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Training Table

Scuba Diver Training Table

Map Code tbc

Depth 18m

Details
This training table provides a nice flat and solid surface to practice your scuba drills and run training sessions. Nearby is a cruiser and can be found along the eastern wall of the quarry.


Royal Navy Wessex Helicopter Mk3
Royal Navy Wessex Helicopter Mk3
Royal Navy Wessex Helicopter Mk3

Royal Navy Wessex Helicopter Mk3

Map Code A11

Depth 25m

Details
This attraction is one of two Wessex helicopters sourced from the Royal Navy which arrived at the National Diving & Activity Centre on 7th November 2007.

After a great deal or work making the attraction diver friendly; on 17th December 2007, it was carefully lowered into the water by a 100 tonne crane with help from Police Specialist Underwater & Search teams, along with representatives from the Army, Navy and RAF.††

History
The Wessex was developed under license by Westland Aircraft, initially for the Royal Navy, but later for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The Wessex was built at Westland's factory at Yeovil in Somerset.

The early Wessex helicopters were first used by the RAF in 1962, and did not finally retire until January 2003, being the main transport helicopter until the introduction of the Puma.

The Navy pressed the development of the Wessex into the improved Mk3, coming into service in 1967. A later version of the Wessex used by the Royal Marine Commandos was the Mk5.

Specifications
General characteristics

  • Crew: Two pilots

  • Capacity: 16 troops or 8 stretchers

  • Length: 65 ft 8 in (20.03 m)

  • Rotor diameter: 56 ft 0 in (17.07 m)

  • Height: 16 ft 2 in (4.93 m)

  • Disc area: 2,463 ft2 (229 m2)

  • Empty weight: 8,304 lb (3,767 kg)

  • Max takeoff weight: 13,500 lb (6,123 kg)

  • Powerplant: 2* Rolls-Royce Gnome turboshaft, 1,535 shp (1,150 kW) each


Performance

  • Maximum speed: 133 mph (212 km/h)

  • Range: 480 miles (km)

  • Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,050 m)

  • Disc loading: 5.5 lb/ft2 (26.7 kg/m2)

  • Power/mass: 0.11 hp/lb (0.19 kW/kg)


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Explosives Cabinet

Explosives Cabinet

Map Code A12

Depth 22m

Details
This explosives cabinet can be found near the Devon Aircraft at a depth of 22m.


Devonshire Aircraft
Devonshire Aircraft

Devonshire Aircraft

Map Code A13

Depth 24m

Details
The 35ft Devonshire Aircraft was lowered into the quarry by a 30 tonne crane in June 2006 (shortly followed by it's wings!) with help from the Avon and Somerset Underwater Police Training Unit. For the full story click here>

Our Engineers did a great deal of work on this 15 seater aircraft to remove all the engines, lubrication and hydraulic systems. Special mesh was also welded onto the parts that divers potentially could squeeze into, so please do not attempt to go inside the aircraft.

The Devonshire Aircraft can be found near the explosives cabinet.


diving bell

Small Two Man Diving Bell

Map Code A16

Depth 23m

Details
The small 2 man diving bell is situated east of the BAE 146 aircraft at a depth of 23m.


Sunken Cruiser

Sunken Cruiser

Map Code A18

Depth 25m

Details
This cruiser is situated south of the small 2 man diving bell at a depth of 25m.


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BAE 146 Airplane
BAE 146 Airplane Cockpit
BAE 146 Airplane
BAE 146 Airplane
BAE 146 Airplane

BAE 146 Airplane

You'll find it hard to miss this awesome attraction. It's a 68 foot long, 30 foot high and 14 tonne BAE 146 Aircraft!

On Monday 17th December 2007 the BAE Aircraft was carefully lowered into the water by a 100 tonne crane with help from Police Specialist Underwater & Search teams, along with representatives from the Army, Navy and RAF.††

The BAE Aircraft can be found near the small 2 man diving bell at a depth of approximately†27m.

Map Code A15

Depth 27m

Details
The BAE 146 is a medium-sized commercial aircraft manufactured in the United Kingdom by BAE Systems. Production ran from 1983 until 2002.

  Serial number 1035 LN:35
  Type BAe 146-100
  First flight date 27/11/1986
  Test registration G-5-035

History of the aircraft
Delivery Date 13/12/1986

Operator, Registration and Remarks
China Eastern Airlines, B-2704 26/01/1995

BAe G-BVUW 07/04/1995

Caribair J8-VBC 01/06/1996

Tristar Airlines N135TR 26/01/1997

Jersey European Airways G-JEAU 01/00/2000

British European Airways G-JEAU 18/07/2002

Flybe G-JEAU Scrapped at Exeter 07/2007

Historical Information supplied by R Mazey.


motorbike

Motorbike

Map Code A14

Depth 21m

Details
This motorbike was left dumped in our car park for over a month, and was taking up much needed space. So in May 2007 we decided to relocate the bike to somewhere more suitable.

If you happen to be diving around the 20 - 25 metre mark you may come across this addition to our underwater attractions!


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Mondeo Reef

Mondeo Reef

Map Code A17

Depth 22m

Details
Exactly as the name suggests - a reef made from a Mondeo!

This attraction can be found near the motorbike and BAE 146 Aircraft.


Gnomes

Underwater Gnome Garden

Map Code A24

Depth 16m

Details
This is where garden gnomes go to retire!

Please feel free to add to the ever growing community.


Swim through Tubes

Scuba Swim Throughs

Map Code A29

Depth 16m

Details
This set of 4 swim throughs can be found South-East of the North Sea Diving Bell.


North Sea Diving Bell

North Sea Diving Bell

Map Code A23

Depth 16m

Details
This 17.5 tonne bell spent its former life in the depths of the North Sea and for some time it was welcoming you at the entrance to the National Diving & Activity Centre.

However on the 28th june 2005 the diving bell was installed as a diving attraction on the site with the help of a 200 tonne crane.


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Pontoon Chain Buoy

Pontoon Chain Buoy (20m)

Map Code tbc

Depth 20m

Details
This marker buoy can be found North-West of the end of the pontoon and marks a depth of 20m.


Pontoon Chain Buoy

Pontoon Chain Buoy (25m)

Map Code tbc

Depth 25m

Details
This marker buoy can be found at the end of the pontoon and marks a depth of 25m.


42 Metre Line

42 Metre Line

Map Code tbc

Depth 42m

Details
This line runs to 42m and can be found at the end of the pontoon.


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50 Metre Buoy and Trapeze

50 Metre Buoy and Trapeze

Map Code A27

Depth 50m

Details
This buoy marks the 50 metre point of the quarry and has a trapeze attached for decompression stops.


75 Metre Buoy and Trapeze

75 Metre Buoy and Trapeze

Map Code A32

Depth 75m

Details
This buoy marks the 75 metre point of the quarry and has a trapeze attached for decompression stops.


Free Diving Platform
Free Diving Platform

Free Diving Platform

Map Code A30

Depth 0m

Details
Home of the SaltFree freediving Club. This purpose-built dive platform is the deepest of its kind in the UK and is fully equipped for safety and comfort.

This platform offers the best deep freedive training facilities in the UK and possibly beyond.  With the counterweight system, booms and the continued support of everyone at NDAC, that should stay the case for a long time to come.

For more information on freediving at NDAC take a look at our freediving page or the Saltfree website.


North Sea Marker Buoy

North Sea Marker Buoy

Map Code tbc

Depth 76m

Details
This marker buoy is our deepest attraction and can be found towards the South West Corner of the quarry at a depth of 72/73 metres at the top and 76 metres at the bottom.


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Hyperbaric Chamber
Hyperbaric Chamber

Hyperbaric Chamber

Map Code A37

Depth 20m

Details
We have placed the chamber just off the pontoon, by the walk on bridge.

The entry points have been sealed, so you won’t be able to get inside the chamber, but it is still a great attraction to visit.

The Hyperbaric Chamber was retired after years of service at DDRC Healthcare and has found its new home at Chepstow’s NDAC Inland Diving lake.



Double Decker Bus
Double Decker Bus

Double Decker Bus

Map Code A19

Depth 23m

Details
Our impressive double-deck bus; seated around 60 to 80 passengers, It is around 10 meters in length, 4.5 meters high and her gross weight is around 12 tonnes.

We believe these underwater busses will not only provide a stable, safe and exciting training platform but also to act as a swim through attraction for the more confident divers amongst you. So whilst our students are conducting their skills and drills above you could be swimming through underneath them – You won’t even need a ticket!


Single Decker Bus

Map Code A25

Depth 16m

Details
Our single decker bus is a traditional 56-seater single deck bus that weighs in at 6.5 tonnes and was used throughout Cardiff for 15 years. She has clocked up an impressive 500,000 km so I’m sure some of you may have even travelled on her at some stage!

We believe these underwater busses will not only provide a stable, safe and exciting training platform but also to act as a swim through attraction for the more confident divers amongst you. So whilst our students are conducting their skills and drills above you could be swimming through underneath them – You won’t even need a ticket!


The FV433 Field Artillery Abbot SPG

The FV433 Field Artillery Abbot SPG

Map Code A9

Depth 14.4m

Details
The Abbot Tank or ‘Self Propelled Gun’ built by Vickers was used by the British Army between 1965 and 1995 and is still in service with the Indian Army.

In its day the Abbot FV433 was able to swim across water due to having a flotation screen fixed around the hull, which would be raised to provide buoyancy. The action of the tracks was sufficient to drive it forward at about 3 knots. Each swimming Abbot would of been supported by a fully amphibious Stalwart Mk 2 High Mobility Load Carrier that carried additional ammunition.

This Abbot’s floating days are long over and it now is retiring happily at the NDAC quarry, reunited with it’s old friend the Stalwart ‘Stolly’.


Caroline Trawler
Caroline Trawler
Caroline Trawler

Caroline Trawler

Map Code A10

Depth 21.3m

Details
This 35 Tonne steel trawler traveled over 500 miles from Aberdeen in 2013 to its final home as an underwater diving attraction at the National Diving & Activity Centre.

‘Caroline’ is 11.33 metres long and provides a fantastic wreck diving experience.


 

 

 

 

National Diving & Activity Centre, Tidenham, Chepstow, Gloucestershire, NP16 7LQ. Tel:    Email | Website & Design by Studio JERO