UECWA Newsletter

26th August 2026

Upcoming Dives

Carpet Emporium & Flat Top - Sun 30th Aug

Goon Bag & Cigar Bommie - Sun 6th Sept

Opera House & The Vault - Sat 12th Sept

Anders Meanders & Flat Top - Sun 20th Sept

Dive Deeper: Introduction to Maritime Archaeology

Ever wondered what happens when diving meets history? We’re looking at bringing a very special opportunity to UECWA members in collaboration with the Maritime Archaeology Association of WA (MAAWA) and the WA Shipwrecks Museum.

MAAWA is planning to run the AIMA/NAS Introduction to Maritime Archaeology – Part 1 course at the WA Shipwrecks Museum in Fremantle, and if we can get 10–12 UECWA members interested, the course can be held exclusively for our club!

This full-weekend course is a fantastic introduction to the methods and techniques used in maritime archaeology, including classroom sessions at the Shipwrecks Museum and a practical field component on the second day. There are options for both divers and non-divers, so you don't need to be a diver to take part.

Participants receive a student handbook, an internationally recognised AIMA/NAS certificate and AIMA membership. The course is expected to run around October/November 2026, with a cost of $270 ($240 for students), plus booking fees. MAAWA membership is also required for $45.

And where could these new skills take you? One example is Project 29, an exciting research project investigating historic moorings and channel markers associated with the former Challenger Channel using Surveyor General Roe’s charts. It’s just one of many opportunities where maritime archaeology can bring Western Australia’s fascinating underwater history to life.

Interested in getting involved? We need to gauge numbers before the course can go ahead, so please register your expression of interest by emailing Mel pr@uecwa.com.au 

If you’ve ever wanted to explore the history beneath the surface, this could be your chance!

Important Payment Update

From 1 October 2026, the Underwater Explorers Club of WA will be moving to EFT payments only.

Due to upcoming changes by the Reserve Bank of Australia, businesses and organisations will no longer be able to pass on card transaction fees. As a volunteer-run, not-for-profit club, we'd rather invest those funds back into our club than absorb ongoing bank charges.

💙 Please save our bank details in your banking app now to make future payments quick and easy.💙

UECWA Bank Details
BSB: 066 136
Account Number: 0090 1972

When making a payment, please include your name and a brief reference so we can easily identify it.

Thank you for supporting the club—we appreciate your understanding, and every dollar saved on bank fees helps us do more for our members!

2027 Travel - Indonesia's Hidden Dive Paradise

Join UECWA next June as we explore one of Indonesia's best-kept diving secrets—Pulau Weh Dive Resort in Banda Aceh.

With warm tropical waters, spectacular reefs, abundant marine life and a relaxed beachfront resort, it's the perfect destination for divers looking for something beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

Your package includes six nights' accommodation, full board meals, and a five-day dive package with up to three guided dives per day.

Flights aren't included, however we'll be organising a group booking from Perth for members who'd like to travel together, while still allowing the flexibility to use frequent flyer points or make independent arrangements.

13-19 June 2027

More information can be found on our website - https://www.uecwa.com.au/upcoming-club-trips

Ready to book? Follow this link to secure your spot - https://secure.diveadventures.com.au/pages/booking-final.php?booking=30503&agent=UECWA&consultant=Eirin&destination=Indonesia&departuredate=13/06/27&departurepoint=Indonesia&DepositAmt=1100

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