UECWA Newsletter
16th April 2025
Upcoming Dives
Straggler's Single Dive - Sat 19/04
Ander's Meanders & Servant's Quarters - Sun 20/04
Are Your Emergency Contact Details Up To Date?
We have noticed many members have not updated their emergency contact details recently or have left them blank, leaving us to rely on old contact information. Did you know you can easily update this information and more in the Member Jungle app? All you need to do is log in, click on the "My Account" icon, find the "Emergency Contact" line and click on the little edit pen icon next to it. Enter the details you wish to update and then hit the save icon (the little floppy disk for those that remember what they looked like...). If you are having any trouble please contact Mel at pr@uecwa.com.au and she can walk you through it or ask around on the boat next time you're onboard. Your safety is our priority.
Dive Report - Saturday 12th April
Photo credit - Martin Crossley
On a sunny Saturday morning in a marina far, far away, a group of 13 divers under the tutelage of Jono (aka Jarhead Ricky Martin) and Steve Day in a new role as DO set out. We were all excited to go chasing sharks to have Skipper Ricky killing the mood, saying "we can't go there too windy" but with a positive mindset we all soldier on and, unfortunately, Jarhead skipper was right. On route to the site, we picked a yoga mat, maybe one of those "wellness mindfulness retreats" that didn't go well in Rotto? (yeah, there is another name for that....)
We dropped anchor at "The Vault" beautiful country (stolen from Mike Buchanan's briefings, sorry!) a BIG Port Jackson and, in the words of Malcom Roberts (aka the Cray Terrorist) the "biggest cuttlefish ever", we all returned to the boat, and moved to a quiet bay near Rotto for lunch.
The second spot, Kingston Spit, looked promising at the start with better viz, but the feeling of being on a conga line underwater (google it, it is what fun people do in parties you boring people). We sought refuge in caves, swim throughs, holes, and anything that resembled protection, and we were in for a treat. LOTS of fish. At one time there were 5 schools of fish, bullseyes, pomfrets, buff breams, old wives and another one that escapes my limited brain capacity (sorry). Everyone was back onboard, and the return was not smooth but fun if you like riding a tumble dryer!
All safe and sound to Coogee Marina. See you all underwater soon, may the force be with you.
Sebastian Laffont
Dive Report - Sunday 13th April
With a few spare spots and plenty of room, we headed out with 9 divers, including Lisa, our nomination diver. Surface conditions were reasonably flat, but it was decided to change dive sites to align best with local weather.
Beth Jones, Murdoch Uni, joined us to complete further monitoring, researching inert gas bubbles present post dive. Both Steve and I volunteered. As we both have big hearts, they were easy to locate and ultra-sound scans were completed on the left chambers of our hearts at 20,40 and 60 minutes post dive. I look forward to the results.
Dive 1 - Marjorie’s Holes
Skipper John was positive he’d landed the anchor right into a hole! I bet him a beer he wasn’t that accurate! Mmmmmmm…
Viz and surge were pretty average. A bit of a surgy joyride with divers being sucked in and spat out of numerous holes. The boat was easily visible from the sea bed at 13m but still viz was so cloudy. Divers returned happy but a few got caught up in the current on returning to the surface. One diver hitched a ride back in on the mermaid line, manually powered by the skipper. My highlight = two rays.
Dive 2 - Victoria's Station at Rowe Reef.
I really enjoyed this dive. It was more colourful and scenic. I loved the large swim throughs and the surge kept me on the lookout to avoid slamming into rocks. Again average, cloudy viz but I enjoyed lighting up the huge array of colours in soft corals and sponges. This dive had more marine life.
I was able to ID: Juvenile Southern Blue Devils Pomfrets, Buff Bream,Redlip Morwong, Bullseye, Scalyfin, Dhufish, Drummers, Spinytail Leather Jacket and Old Wives.
With all safely back onboard we motored home in reasonably calm conditions.
Arriving back at a decent hour allowed enough time for enjoyable conversations, snacks and beers at the Boathouse Cafè. Included in my order was a large beer for skipper John - turns out he is accurate at dropping that anchor. No camera so no evidence.
Thanks so much to the volunteer crew for a relaxing day.
Tonya Heard Bowen
Entertainment Book Easter Promotion
Here is an Egg-Cellent offer you won’t want to miss! It’s BUNNY Fantastic! For those of you that didn’t purchase a membership when the booklets went home, here is another reason why to purchase now!
From now until 11.59am AEST Thursday 17 April, when someone purchases a Multi City Entertainment Membership for $120, they’ll receive a BONUS $50 VISA eGift Card
With 20% of every purchase going directly to our club, we will earn $24 for every sale instead of the usual $14.
Simply scan the QR code below or click on the payment link on the website www.entertainment.com.au
Thank you for your support!
Deep Submarine Wreck Day
Double Deep Dive: Newly Discovered Dutch KXI Submarine!
We’re heading to the recently discovered Dutch KXI Submarine for a thrilling 36-40m dive! Whether you're a recreational or tech diver, this is your chance to explore a historic wreck.
Date: Saturday, 3rd May
Cost: $100
Important:
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Min Certification: Deep Diver Cert required (NOT included in all PADI Instructor certifications).
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How to Book: Send your Deep Diver Cert to divebookings@uecwa.com.au to secure your spot. Only certified divers will be booked!
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Confirmation: No certs = no booking. You’ll receive booking confirmation after cert verification.
For any questions, email us at divebookings@uecwa.com.au
2025 Dive Trips - Spots Available
9th - 16th July: Halmahera Liveaboard - $4160 AUD (subject to exchange rates)
An 8-day liveaboard to Halmahera, Indonesia, with only 13 spots available.
19th - 25th August: Derawan Island - $2470 AUD (subject to exchange rates)
A $340 deposit is due by 30th April, and final payment is due on 30th May.
JUST TWO SPOTS REMAINING
Important Information for Dive Bookings
All members should have access to the dive calendar on the website and mobile app. If you're experiencing any issues, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us for assistance.
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 during peak periods, please email Donna at divebookings@uecwa.com.au with your name and phone number to be added to the WhatsApp group.
Guests on the Boat
A reminder: For all boat trips (including Christmas lights), UEC members must be on the boat with any guests booked under their membership.
Cancelling a Dive Ahead of Time
Important to note that you cannot cancel dives using the dive calendar. Cancellation needs to be by email directly to Donna at 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.
Appeals for waivers due to medical reasons or family emergencies can be submitted in writing to the committee.
If you have any questions please check out our FAQ's, Contact Us or chat to your Committee members when you see us on the boat!
Newsletter Editor
Mel Daws - Public Relations
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