UECWA Newsletter
1st January 2025
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Upcoming Dives
Dive Report - Sunday 29th December
Photo credit - Troy Thompson
Despite an overcast day, the wind was favourable for our double dive day at Rottnest Island. We kicked off the adventure with our first dive at Nurse’s Quarters. While no sharks were spotted in the cave, a couple cruised around outside, adding to the excitement. The visibility was excellent, and it turned out to be a truly lovely dive.
Our second dive took us to Cray Canyon, where a spectacular large grey nurse shark visited our divers multiple times. Along with the shark, large rays and schools of footballer sweeps provided a captivating underwater spectacle. The water was a bit surgy, but still fairly clear, making for a thrilling dive.
The ride home was smooth, with the wind making for an easy return. Special thanks to Skipper Jeff and DO Laura for volunteering their time and ensuring everything ran smoothly. A warm welcome to the new faces aboard — we hope to see you on future dives!
Mel Daws
2025 Dive Trips Announced!
We have three exciting trips planned for 2025, with club members receiving priority booking. Details and booking info below and on the website, please contact Donna at divebookings@uecwa.com.au if you have any questions.
22nd - 29th March: Rottnest - $1190 AUD
2 dives per day, 7 nights accommodation, and tank fills are included. Meals are not included, and only 8 spots are available. Bookings open now. A $250 deposit is due by 20th Jan, refundable if the trip doesn’t go ahead. Final payment is due on 1st Feb.
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. Expression of interest is now open. 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.
Get Festive, Recycle, and Support Your Dive Club!
Silly season is here, and we’ve got a cracking way for you to help the planet - and your dive club! Did you know the Underwater Explorers Club is registered with Containers for Change? Simply swap your payment method to 'donate' when recycling your cans and bottles, and search for Underwater Explorers Club of Western Australia Inc.
We won’t judge your drinking habits (hey, it’s the holidays!), but we will happily accept your donations. So, recycle those festive empties and support your favourite dive club!
Important Information for Dive Bookings
Important Information for Dive Bookings
All members who have paid their fees for the 2024/2025 year should now have access to the dive calendar on the new website and mobile app. If you're experiencing any issues, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us for assistance.
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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