Safety · Destination Guide
North Sea reefs, kelp gullies and historic wrecks beneath Scotland's seabird cliffs
Cold water, changing North Sea weather, tide and remote cliff access make preparation more important than headline depth. Use local operators, carry a working emergency plan and never let a fixed wreck objective override conditions. The reserve's wildlife rules are operational safety rules too: distance reduces collision, entanglement, distraction and disturbance risk.
Maintain close buddy contact in variable visibility, deploy a delayed surface marker buoy for open-water ascents, carry a cutting tool and stay out of harbour navigation routes. Treat overheads conservatively. Glanmire requires slack water and Ty's Tunnel is tied to high water. End the dive early when cold, task loading or visibility weakens the team's reserve.
Ask whether emergency oxygen, first aid, communications and diver-lift capability are available on the booked vessel. Protect hands and feet on rocky access, keep working slips clear and secure equipment against wind. At sea, use VHF DSC or Channel 16 and Coastguard procedures; at the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
There is no local public recompression chamber at St Abbs or Eyemouth. A suspected decompression illness, arterial gas embolism, serious immersion event or missing-diver emergency must enter the coordinated rescue pathway rather than a self-drive plan.
At sea, contact the Coastguard by VHF DSC or Channel 16, or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. In Scotland, call 0345 408 6008 for the 24-hour diving accident service connected with Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Give high-concentration oxygen if trained and equipment is available, keep the casualty warm and still, and follow professional instructions. For urgent non-life-threatening care in Scotland, phone NHS 24 on 111. Carry specialist dive insurance and the operator's written emergency action plan.
Cold Water and Post-Dive Cooling
Thermal stress can develop during the dive and worsen on a windy deck or harbour. Use adequate exposure protection, carry dry layers and warm drinks, and stop the day early when shivering or loss of dexterity appears.
Tide-Critical Routes
Glanmire is a slack-water dive and Ty's Tunnel is entered at high water. Confirm the local tide plan with the skipper or guide rather than transferring times from a distant port or old trip report.
Fast Weather and Surface Deterioration
North Sea chop, wind, swell and haar can arrive within the operating day. Keep an alternate site and a no-dive plan, and never let travel investment override the skipper's or guide's cancellation decision.
Cliffs and Slippery Access
Rock entries, harbour steps and coastal paths can be wet, uneven or exposed. Protect hands and feet, carry equipment in stages, keep clear of cliff edges and do not attempt remote exits without a verified route.
Boat users should slow to no-wake speed and stay at least 100 m from cliffs, nesting seabirds and marine mammals. If an animal changes behaviour, move away quietly. Seabirds are most vulnerable while nesting from March to October; grey seals are most vulnerable while pupping from October to January. Do not land near colonies or enter the water to seek seal pups.
Keep to paths, protect cliff vegetation, control dogs around livestock and wildlife, and obtain permission before any drone flight at St Abb's Head. Support the reserve through donations, citizen-science projects, beach cleans or responsible local operators.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when cold water and post-dive cooling. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| HM Coastguard | Marine, cliff and coastal emergency response | 999 - ask for the Coastguard; VHF DSC or Channel 16 at sea | 24 hours a day |
| Scotland Diving Accident Helpline | Urgent diving medicine advice and recompression coordination through Aberdeen Royal Infirmary | 0345 408 6008 | 24 hours a day |
| NHS Emergency Ambulance | Life-threatening medical emergencies ashore | 999 or 112 | 24 hours a day |
| NHS 24 | Urgent care in Scotland when the situation is not life or limb threatening | 111 | 24 hours a day |
| British Divers Marine Life Rescue | Stranded or distressed marine mammal reporting | 01825 765546 | National response line; follow recorded or responder instructions |
| Berwickshire Marine Reserve | Reserve information and non-emergency conservation reporting | 01890 752509 | Office and project hours; not an emergency service |