Attractions

This page has details of the exciting attractions that can be found in our underwater world. Scroll down and place your mouse over the map below to view the attractions and click to find out more information.

PDF Site maps are available to download to help you plan your next dive. more>

Landrover Lagoon

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

Depth 6m

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

Depth 10m

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

Training Platforms

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!

British Aerospace Jetstream 200

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

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

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!

Alvis Stalwart Amphibious Vehicle 'Stolly'

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

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

Depth 18m

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

Training Table

Depth 18m

Details
This training table provides a nice flat and solid surface to practice your 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

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)

Explosives Cabinet

Depth 22m

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

Devonshire Aircraft

Depth 25m

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.

Small Two Man Diving Bell

Depth 23m

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

Cruiser

Depth 25m

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

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.

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

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!
 

Mondeo Reef

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.

Gnome Garden

Depth 16m

Details
This is where garden gnomes goto retire!

Please feel free to add to the ever growing community.

Swim Throughs

Depth 16m

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

North Sea Diving Bell

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.

Pontoon Chain Buoy

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

Depth 25m

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