The Mashford's Boatyard, Plymouth

Mashford's Boatyard is situated half a mile up the River Tamar, the site is completely protected, offering access all year round when all other coastal sites are blown out; although it is not worth diving after heavy rain which brings silt down the River Tamar.

Before the Plymouth breakwater was built in 1844, Mashford's was an area where, for centuries, ships used to moor to shelter from southerly gales. Over the years, divers have brought up a variety of treasures there. Among these have been an intact diver's hardhat helmet, masthead lamps and even an ancient bronze ship's cooking pot.

On one dive, a diver brought up what appeared to be a plain metal tube. After further inspection, he was surprised to discover that it was a brass telescope, with all the optics still in place! Although divers have been known to access Mashford's from the shore, the only safe way to do this dive is from a boat. The boatyard is situated at Cremyll, on the west side of the Tamar. It's easy to spot, as the name is boldly painted on the roof.

You can dive anywhere outside the boatyard, although the area below the moorings is the most rewarding but, first, call the port control station Longroom (01752 663225, Channel 13 or 14) for permission.

Mashford's is just off the shipping channel, and many naval and large cargo ships come through hourly. The Tamar estuary is dependent on diving at slack water. It's important that divers are ready ahead of time, as slack lasts only 30 minutes, and once the tide turns the current picks up very quickly. In full flow it exceeds 2 knots.

Visibility is better at high tide, as the ebb tide brings down silt from the river. It is advisable to come equipped with an SMB, a buddy line and good lighting. Immediately outside the boatyard is a bank of mud that gradually drops off. Most of the goodies found are within the 15-20m range, where the mud has thinned out into a shingle plain. This area is scattered with rocks covered with anemones, sponges and hydroids. Fish life is limited, although there are usually lots of crabs and sea spiders scuttling around. You might find edible crabs and even lobsters marching across the site, but would recommend that you leave them there, as their food source is unpleasant!

It takes a keen eye to spot the various objects, as they often lie semi-buried and what isn't hidden is usually covered with barnacles, sea squirts and sponges. But the area frequently reveals scattered fragments of glassware and ceramics, and it is common to find complete ceramic Dundee Marmalade jars and old cod bottles with the marbles in place.

Although not generally as productive, it is also worth looking on the outer edge of the ledge, which is where the telescope was found. If you decide to go over the drop-off, head in a northerly direction and you'll find the slope dropping rapidly to around 35m. Situated on the edge of the main channel, the seabed at Mashford's is forever changing. The tidal flow is extremely strong, revealing fresh ground every day. It was reported some years ago that divers had found parts of an ancient wreck emerging from the mudbank, but by their next dive it had disappeared and has not been seen since. For those who are happy in low viz and enjoy a rummage in the mud, this is the dive for you. There are few sites still around that guarantee finding relics that tell a tale about those who came there in centuries past.

Dive Guide
To be completed.

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