UECWA Newsletter
19th February 2025
Upcoming Dives
Dive Report - Saturday 15th February
Photo credit - Jen Pryor
Last Saturday, Skipper Steve made the call that despite the weather not being ideal for the originally planned sites, the conditions were still favourable for a day at Rottnest Island. With an eager boat almost full of divers, we set off for a day of exploration, and it turned out to be a day none of us will soon forget.
Our first stop was Thompson Bay, where we dropped off a passenger for some sightseeing while we geared up for an exciting dive at Parker Point. Mike recently discovered a cave near the drop-off, and we were eager to check it out. The water was crystal clear, revealing beautiful caves and swim-throughs adorned with vibrant colours. We spotted crayfish lining the canyon shelves, a bit on the small side, but there were some massive jumbos tucked away amongst the reef. Damo managed to bag one of the bigger ones, adding to his collection!
The fish life was abundant, with schools of bullseyes, skipjack, and even batfish, not to mention plenty of macro life for the photographers in the group. However, the real star of the show was a smooth ray who decided to join us on our adventure. The ray circled the group for ages, even sneaking a snack in the reef while we watched. After we surfaced, it hung around under the boat, waiting for any undersize crayfish that might find their way back into the water.
After such an enjoyable dive, we headed back to Thompson Bay for an extended lunch and to collect our passenger. Recharged, we set off for our second dive at Jackson Rock. This site is known for its stunning scenery, with grand archways and a labyrinth of tunnels to explore. Fish life was plentiful, but it was the unique landscape that really stole the show. Eager to push beyond the familiar, I decided to lead my two buddies beyond the usual spots to the far side of the reef. The adventure paid off, and we had a blast exploring the unknown.
Just as it was time to head back to the boat, we bumped into Damo, and our trio became a foursome as we made the long swim across the top of the reef to the anchored boat. Upon nearing the sandpatch, we began our ascent for safety stops. That’s when disaster almost struck.
As Damo neared the surface, we heard the sound of a speeding boat, and before we could react, it was right behind him. The boat struck Damo with frightening speed! In an instant, we rushed to his aid, fearing the worst. Fortunately, Damo was shaken but in good spirits, despite a big cut to his head. We quickly got him back to the boat, administered first aid, and headed back to Coogee.
Once back on dry land, Damo received the necessary stitches and was soon as good as new. What could’ve been a much worse outcome turned into a reminder for all of us about the importance of safety, especially using our SMBs, and staying aware when behind the wheel of a vessel. We were well within the 50m radius of the dive flag, but you can't trust all skippers to do the right thing.
Damo’s accident made headlines, with his story featured on ABC Radio and Channel Nine News, and now we all might need to ask for his autograph! It was an eventful day, but the lucky outcome left us with an important lesson and a memorable tale to tell.
Mel Daws
Dive Report - Sunday 16th February
Photo credit - Hebba Morcos
On Sunday morning, the conditions were perfect for diving. We had 3 crew; John De Boer, myself Tom Bassett DO and trainee DO Will Glendon, and a boat of 14 divers headed out to Parker Point.
There were so many boats around the designated dive site, we opted for Sand Bar Cave instead. Once we were on anchor, we saw just how good the vis was, and those of us on the boat were a bit envious, to say the least. The dive didn't disappoint, just a wonderful site to explore in perfect conditions. We were a bit concerned after Saturday's unfortunate incident, with considerable boat traffic in the area. However, we had no incidents. All the divers, fortunately, got back to the boat safely and raved about the site and the conditions.
We moved to Stragglers for the second dive at a leisurely pace, so everyone could have their lunch and a comfortable surface interval. The first site was too exposed there, and a current was absolutely ripping through, so we opted for a more sheltered area and again the vis was sensational. While a more shallow dive, most people, once again, loved the site and really enjoyed the dive. There was some surge to contend with and a couple of divers did have a bit of an issue with the current.
Once again, we had no incidents and were back at Port Coogee by 1.30 pm. After unloading everyone, we put the boat back in the pen, cleaned her for next weekend and had a quick beer to finish the day.
Very best wishes to Damian for a full recovery. Take care.
Just letting everyone know, I am retiring from being a DO at the end of this season. I am 70 this September and my age has caught up with me and I feel physically I am just not up to the demands required of a DO going forward. It has been a great experience for me over the years.
Tom Bassett
2025 Dive Trips - Spots Available
Details and booking info below and on the website, please contact Donna at divebookings@uecwa.com.au if you have any questions.
9th - 16th July: Halmahera Liveaboard - $4160 AUD (subject to exchange rates)
An 8-day liveaboard to Halmahera, Indonesia, with only 13 spots available. The boat is newly commissioned, and no breakdowns are expected. Bookings open now. Please email Donna.
19th - 25th August: Derawan Island - $2470 AUD (subject to exchange rates)
7 days with 3 dives per day, all meals and accommodation included. There are only 15 spots available. Bookings open now. A $340 deposit is due by 30th April. Priority bookings for club members until 28th Feb. Final payment is due on 30th May.
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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