FAQ's

Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

 

Diving Fees

How much does diving cost with UECWA?

Once you are a member, the only cost to dive is $85 for a double tank dive or $50 for a single tank dive.  Single tank dives are organised days.  If you choose to only dive once when there are two dives on offer, you are still expected to pay for both.

Equipment

What equipment is required?
    
You will need all your own dive gear including two tanks if it is a double dive, a dive computer and dive weights. It is mandatory that you carry a SMB (surface marker buoy) and you will not be able to dive without one. It is also recommended you carry a dive knife, torch, snorkel, and a compass. If solo diving you must be certified as a solo diver and carry the appropriate equipment.

 

Is there hire gear available?  

The club has a number of Aluminium dive tanks available for loan for a suggested donation of $35.  These need to be pre-booked and may not always be available.  We strongly recommend you use your own, or hire them before coming onboard.

There is also an arrangement with our affiliate club Murdoch University Divers (MUD) so if you require anything other than tanks we recommend you contact either MUD or a local dive shop. Details of the MUD facility are on the link below. If using this facility please let MUD know you are a UEC nomination diver.

        http://www.mud.org.au/diveshed

 

Is lunch provided?

No. You will need to provide your own food and drink for the day along with appropriate spare/warm clothing, hat and sunscreen. There is an outside shower on the boat with limited hot water.  We have a small fridge you are welcome to use.

 

Does the Club own dive weights?

We have a handful of spare weights on the boat for emergencies so you will need to bring your own. We also recommend that you keep your weights separate from your tub/bags to make loading and unloading the boat a bit easier.

General Questions

What are the UECWA bank details?

The UEC's bank account details are as follows:

        BSB: 066 136 Acct No: 0090 1972

 

What contact details are needed?

We require contact details for all divers in your group when you book. This is name, contact number, email address and emergency contact names and numbers. Your emergency contact can not be a person that is also going for a dive with you on the boat.

 

What diving qualifications do I need?

You will need an minimum of an Advanced Open Water diving qualification or equivalent to dive from the boat.

 

We are a Club not a Charter!

We are run 100% by members of the club that volunteer our time. As such, we ask that you be polite and patient with us, not only on the boat but also when booking and making changes to your dives.

Interstate/Overseas/Visiting Divers

We welcome (and have a Membership category for) Interstate/Overseas/Visiting divers

Membership

How much does membership cost?

        Ordinary Member $240

        Family Membership $440

        Student / Junior Membership $50

        Social Membership $30

        Country/Interstate/Overseas (CIO) $30

        Nomination Fee $85

UEC membership is a 12 months rolling membership.

Note that family membership is applicable to family members who live at the same address.

 

Is there a discount for students or juniors?

Student membership is for those in full time education and junior membership is applicable to those between 14 and 18 years of age. Junior members under 16 may only dive with their legal guardian or parent and under 18 must have a signed parental consent form to dive with a nominated buddy.

 

When are membership fees due?

Membership fees are payable on the anniversary of your membership year.

 

Do you have to be a member to dive?

You must be a Member or nominating for Membership to dive off our boat.

Nomination Dive

Is there an obligation to join?

There is no obligation to join after completing the nomination dive, but you will only ever be able to do one nomination dive before joining the club.

 

How much is the Nomination Fee?

There is no nomination fee but you will need to pay $85 for your double dives.  .

 

What is a Nomination Dive?

The nomination dive gives potential new members an opportunity to try the boat and see what the UEC is about and then to decide if they would like to join.

 

How can I book a Nomination Dive?

To book a dive, go to the membership tab at the top of the page, click on join.  You will then need to complete the necessary forms and provide your dive certificate.  You will then be able to access the Events section of the website where you can book your nomination dive.  Note that this needs to be done within 30 days of you completing your forms.

 

How do I pay the Nomination Fee?

Payment for the nomination fee is to be paid at the time of booking.  Once you are a member, you will be able to pay for future dives via EFT.

The Diving

Does UECWA own a boat?

The club owns a 12m purpose built aluminium dive boat called Cape Cruiser. It can take fourteen divers comfortably and is fully equipped with all the appropriate safety equipment (Oxygen, Defibrillator, EPIRB, First Aid Kit, Flares etc.), rescue dingy, cabin, shower and toilet. At the rear there is an excellent dive platform with steps for easy exit from the water. Please note that for the comfort and safety of other divers and the crew the boat is designated a No Smoking environment.

 

What time does the boat depart?

The boat loads at the loading jetty at Port Coogee Marina at 7:45am for an 8.00am sharp departure. We usually return between 3 and 4pm depending on dive sites visited.

 

What days do you dive?

Diving is mainly on weekends with some mid week dives available during the warmer months. A full calendar of dives can be found on the UEC website under events.

 

Who crews the boat?

The boat is crewed by one of the club's volunteer Skippers and a Dive Officer who remains on the boat during the diving. Crews receive extensive training, including First Aid to carry out their duties.

 

What do I do when I arrive?

On arrival, you will need to stow your gear on the boat as directed by the Dive Officer and you will then receive a briefing on the day’s activities and safety procedures. 

 

I don't have a buddy?

If you are not diving with a buddy you will be paired up with someone of suitable experience or interest.  Don't worry, you won't be left stranded.

 

Is Solo Diving allowed?

Solo diving is permitted from the boat with the appropriate certification and equipment.

 

Is Cray Fishing allowed?

Cray fishing is allowed from the boat but must strictly adhere to all Cray fishing regulations (i.e. license required, size limit, berried and tar spot, boat & bag limit, and only in areas allowed etc.). Spear fishing and line fishing is not allowed on the UEC boat during diving activities.

 

Where are the dive sites located?

The dive sites are generally located around Rottnest Island and the Stragglers and many of them are exclusive to the UEC having been found in over 60 years of exploration. The actual sites dived on the day may differ from those advertised depending on weather and sea conditions. All boat dive trips are double dives, alternating between Saturdays and Sundays, unless advertised otherwise, with a surface interval over lunchtime. The boat will often go into one of the sheltered bays around Rottnest for lunch (note lunch is not provided). The boat will return to the Marina usually between 3 and 4pm depending on which sites have been visited.

 

Diving conditions

The club dives in varying weather conditions, depths down to ~30m and currents and as such diving can sometimes be challenging. Due to this it is mandatory requirement for you to hold a minimum of Advanced Open Water or equivalent as well as some recent diving experience.

 

Calling off a dive due to weather

The weather being unpredictable means that there may be occasions when a dive is cancelled. You will normally be notified as early as possible the morning of a dive whether the dive i