UECWA Newsletter

8th April 2026

Upcoming Dives

Swirl Reef & Marjories Big Hole - Sat 11th April

Orizaba & Christmas Caves - Sun 12th April

Blue Groper Cave & Victorias Station - Sat 18th April

Carpet Emporium & Ten Metre Spire - Sun 19th April

Snorkel Report - Family Fun Day Friday 3rd April

Photo credit - Konrad Scriba

With everyone waiting to be picked up, we moved the Cape Cruiser out of its pen and moored up for loading. With 13 happy, smiling faces on board, we were planning to head to Rottnest. Then a few snorkellers suggested Carnac to snorkel with the sea lions, so off we went.

We first checked out the snorkel site with the seals, but with the wind at that time it was a bit choppy, so we went around to the other side of the island where it was much better. We dropped anchor and almost everyone got in. Young Asha decided it was too cold for her and stayed on the boat while mum Sarah went to explore.

With everyone back on the boat, Konrad, Martin and Vesela decided to jump off the roof of the boat a few times, while Asha got Sebastian to jump off the bow for a half-eaten pear, lol.

After everyone had eaten and let their food settle, we headed back around to see the seals. This time it was a lot better and the seals were in the water. Once again, Asha decided to stay on the boat and just jump off the back a few times.

Martin had a small hiccup with his snorkel breaking, so he made a quick jump back on the boat to change it over, and off they went again to swim with the seals.

With everyone back on board, all happy faces as the seals were out and playing, we headed home. After a quick wash down and refill of the water tank, the Cape Cruiser was back in her pen, ready for Saturday morning.

Will Glendon

Photo credit - Will Glendon

Dive Report - Sunday 5th April

Photo credit - Filip Welna

Seven divers arrived at the Coogee Marina, excited to spend this Easter Sunday underwater. We departed for Stragglers Reef and soon anchored at the first chosen site – The Mini Swirls. A fairy-sized, low-lying cloud obscured most of the sunshine for the first dive, but it did not deter any of the eagerness to get into the water.

The divers splashed in and returned about an hour later with exciting stories, while the crew experienced a little rain onboard. Apparently, even a seahorse was seen. Due to the abundance of crew members on board, the active crew jumped in during the surface interval and explored the abundance of caverns, passages, and grottos at the site as well.

The conditions were not spectacular, but not bad either, with just a little surge at 10m. The insides of the caverns, however, were quite calm. A large Port Jackson shark was spotted resting in one of them by skipper Steve.

For the second dive, we headed across the rocks to the site named “The Stragglers Lagoon”. The sun came out, and all the divers (except poor Taryn, who had a regulator malfunction) jumped in again. After spending a full hour at about 10m, they emerged very pleased.

“Very pretty site,” said one diver.
“Actually very nice,” added another.

On that positive note, we headed back to Port Coogee, let the divers disembark, refuelled and cleaned the boat, and called it a good day!

Filip Welna

Photo credit - Filip Welna

AGM & Committee Nominations - Get Involved

Our Annual General Meeting is coming up on Friday 3rd July at the Swan Yacht Club, and we’d love to see as many members there as possible!

This is your chance to have a say in the future of the club, hear what’s been happening behind the scenes, and help shape what’s ahead. We’re also welcoming nominations for committee positions—so if you’ve ever thought about getting more involved, now’s the perfect time. Fresh ideas and new faces are always appreciated! You'll find nomination forms available to download on the website. 

If you’re curious but not quite sure what’s involved, feel free to have a chat with one of our current committee members—we’re always happy to share what’s involved and answer any questions.

We’ll be having dinner beforehand at the club, so come along early, enjoy a meal, and have a chat before the meeting kicks off.

Whether you’re keen to join the committee or just want to stay in the loop, we’d love your support. Save the date and keep your eye out for more details to come. 

Three Cheers for Rex!

A big thank you to past club member Rex Burke, who generously donated his time and expertise to repair our boat clears once again. His efforts have saved the club several hundred dollars, and we’re incredibly grateful for his ongoing support.

Important Information for Dive Bookings

• Please do not book dives for other divers. If we receive double bookings from one diver, the second booking will be automatically cancelled.
• If you would like to receive notifications about dive cancellations, please email divebookings@uecwa.com.au with your name and phone number to be added to the WhatsApp group.
• Important to note that you cannot cancel dives using the dive calendar. Cancellation needs to be made by email directly to divebookings@uecwa.com.au

Please note our cancellation policy below as per the club bylaws:

Cancellations between 07:45 and 16:00 the day before: 50% cancellation fee.

Cancellations after 16:00 the day before: 100% cancellation fee.

No-shows: Full event fee.

If you have any questions, please check out our FAQ's, Contact Us or chat with your Committee members when you see us on the boat! All current club members are welcome to attend monthly committee meetings. 

Newsletter Editor

Mel Daws - Public Relations