Our Procharter P3 Club Hard Boat

In 2012, we expanded our diving operations with the purchase of a Procharter P3—a robust, purpose-built vessel well-suited to the demands of UK diving.

Once acquired, we undertook a comprehensive fit-out to tailor her specifically for diving expeditions. To celebrate her arrival and involve the community, we ran a naming competition. The winning entry, Endeavour, was selected for its dual significance: it evokes the spirit of exploration central to diving, while also paying homage to Oxford’s historical ties to maritime discovery.

Endeavour is a hard-hulled boat renowned for her stability and seaworthiness, essential qualities for diving in British waters. She is powered by a 320 bhp stern drive engine, offering a good balance of speed, reliability, and fuel efficiency—ideal for reaching dive sites quickly and safely, even in choppy conditions.

She is licensed and insured to carry up to twelve divers, and the deck layout is designed to maximize operational efficiency. While compact, the deck provides just enough space for all divers to kit up at the same time, minimising delays and keeping dive operations streamlined.

Entry into the water is straightforward via a recessed cut-out in the starboard gunnel, bringing the sea surface within inches of deck level. This low entry point allows divers to step directly into the water with minimal effort. For recovery, we’ve installed a robust boarding ladder that ensures safe and easy re-entry, even when wearing full gear.

We’ve also considered comfort and convenience during surface intervals. On deck, there’s a full heads (toilet) cubicle – an appreciated amenity during long days at sea.

The wheelhouse cabin offers seating for three and standing room for several more, creating a sheltered space for briefings, rest, or just warming up between dives. A designated dry area helps keep personal items and electronics safe from spray. To top it off, we’ve installed a water heater, meaning we can offer hot drinks and quick meals like pot noodles – small luxuries that make a big difference after a cold dive.

Whether you’re exploring wrecks, photographing marine life, or completing training dives, Endeavour is a reliable and comfortable platform designed with divers in mind. She represents not only a significant investment in our diving capabilities but also a commitment to safety, community, and a shared spirit of adventure.

Move to Plymouth

For over 30 years, we maintained a hard boat in Weymouth, Dorset – an arrangement that served us well for decades.

Weymouth’s appeal lay not only in its relatively close proximity to Oxford, making it one of the most accessible coastal diving hubs for our members, but also in the range of diving it offered. The area provided a satisfying mix of wrecks, reefs, and sheltered sites suitable for divers of all experience levels, making it a practical and popular base of operations.

However, in 2017, we made the decision to relocate our diving operations to Plymouth.

This move was driven by a desire for new challenges, improved diving conditions, and the opportunity to explore a wider variety of sites. Plymouth offers more consistent underwater visibility, particularly during the summer months, which enhances both the safety and enjoyment of dives.

The region also boasts an abundance of renowned wrecks, dramatic underwater topography, and thriving marine life – all within easy reach of the harbour.

Beyond the diving itself, Plymouth’s infrastructure, including its marinas, support services, and accessibility, has proven ideal for club operations. The change has reinvigorated our diving calendar, provided fresh experiences for long-standing members, and opened up exciting new training and exploration opportunities.