Diving The HMHS Britannic: The Everest of Technical Diving
November 9, 2024
Standing on the shores of Kea, gazing out over the Aegean Sea, it’s hard not to be transported back in time. Today, modern cargo ships crisscross these waters en route to various destinations, but over a century ago, these same waters witnessed the passage of ships that served a much different purpose: supporting the effort of the First World War. Among them was the HMHS Britannic, the sister ship of the infamous Titanic, repurposed as a hospital ship. But even in this role, nothing was guaranteed.
On November 21, 1916, the Britannic met her tragic end, becoming the largest shipwreck of World War I. The wreck of the Britannic remained lost to history until 1975, when legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau and his crew discovered the colossal 272-meter vessel lying on the seafloor.
Today, the Britannic rests at a depth of 120 meters (nearly 400 feet), covered in marine life, offering a challenging yet rewarding dive for the select few who dare to visit this underwater giant.
Diving into History: The HMHS Britannic
Diving the HMHS Britannic is no ordinary dive. It is a hypoxic technical Extended Range dive—a dive for the elite of the diving world, requiring specialized training and equipment. Open-circuit certified divers have ventured to the wreck in the past, but with modern advancements, most divers now rely on closed-circuit rebreathers (CCR) to extend their bottom time and make the dive safer and more efficient.
The HMHS Britannic dive demands careful planning. Reaching the wreck involves descending to 120 meters, with up to three hours of decompression depending on the bottom time. Divers need to be in top physical and mental condition, prepared for long and exhausting days both underwater and topside.
Proper preparation is critical to ensuring safety at these extreme depths. But is the effort worth it?
An Experience Like No Other
When you descend the downline to around 80 meters and catch your first glimpse of the Britannic, the sheer size of the wreck becomes evident. At 272 meters long, it is easy to lose your bearings in the vastness of the ship. Without a DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle), you may only see portions of the ship depending on the current.
With the aid of a scooter, CCR divers can explore the ship more thoroughly. At depths of 105 to 115 meters, you can see the Britannic’s iconic three propellers—identical to those on the Titanic. As you navigate toward the bow, you will pass Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s bronze plate, marking the site of his discovery.
In good visibility, the broken bow emerges like a shadow through the blue depths of the Aegean Sea—a haunting reminder of the ship’s tragic fate.
After a breathtaking exploration of the wreck, it is time to start the long ascent. And without a doubt, this dive is worth every minute of the decompression stops, the preparation, and the cost. But only for those who are truly ready.
The Importance of Proper Training
The HMHS Britannic dive is often called the Everest of diving. Many divers dream of making this dive, but with that dream comes the temptation to rush into it without adequate preparation. Technical dives at this depth require more than just desire—they demand rigorous training, top-notch equipment, and extensive experience.
To avoid potentially dangerous situations, divers need to be well-versed in deep dive planning, decompression procedures, and equipment management. Surface support teams are equally crucial, as they assist in ensuring everything goes smoothly topside.
If you are considering taking on this challenge, it is essential to build a solid foundation first. SSI offers a range of courses to help you develop the skills needed for deep technical diving. Check out SSI’s Hypoxic Trimix course to begin preparing for dives like the Britannic.
It is critical to approach this dive with caution and respect. The HMHS Britannic may be a dream dive, but without the proper training, it can quickly become a nightmare.
Are You Ready for the Challenge?
Diving the Britannic is not just another dive—it is an adventure into history, a test of skill, and an experience unlike any other. But success only comes to those who are properly prepared.
Before setting your sights on the HMHS Britannic, ensure you have the right qualifications and training. Dive into the world of technical diving with SSI’s Extended Range programs, and explore more on our blog, like How to Prepare for Your First Extended Range Diveand 10 Dive Travel Essentials for XR Divers.
When done right, diving the Britannic is the adventure of a lifetime. Get the right training, stay safe, and take on the Everest of diving!