UECWA Newsletter

13th November 2025

Upcoming Dives

Stragglers Reef Double - Sat 15th Nov

Swirl Reef & North Point Reef - Sun 16th Nov

Sandy Cave & The Vault - Sat 22nd Nov

Servants Quarters & Flat Top - Sun 23rd Nov

Squid Fishing Report - Saturday 8th November

Photo credit - Liz Davey

Thanks to Steve Day for skippering and John DeBoer for being our deckie, these trips couldn’t happen without the support of wonderful crew that can see the value of sharing the boat for these ventures.

A great day for all 12 people onboard, weather was very kind to us, perfect for squidding. The sea breeze came in suddenly and with a vengeance at about 2pm so we finished earlier than anticipated. We had regular divers along with some family members and many said to me how nice it was to do these trips and to get to spend the day chatting, squidding together, sharing food and getting to know each other better. While diving is our main bread and butter and what we are largely about, these occasional trips add another dimension to what our club is all about.

My grandson caught his first squid ever today and then got another with Steve’s help. He went home with his squid and displayed it to his family, so proud, he will no doubt talk about it at news in school on Monday and remember this day for a long time. We caught 12 squid and everyone who wanted to take the squid home took at least one home.

If you haven’t joined us for a squid trip before, I highly recommend it. It’s a great day out, offering non-divers and divers alike a chance to experience the boat and share in the privilege of our shared access to Cape Cruiser with our non-diver families. Hmmmm maybe, having opportunities for our families to share this privilege may just help you negotiate more diving time. Just a thought.

Donna Gratton

Photo credit - Donna Gratton

Dive Report - Sunday 9th November

Welcome back to Mike Buchanan. With not being on the boat for a few months, he just needed a little help from John to get it started.

Today's dives were deep dive certification run by Craig and Filip with 6 students. We also had 5 divers not on the course diving on the sub. We had a load of happy faces. Renata said it was amazing. It was very good viz with divers reporting that they could see the sub at around 10m. Just one lesson to learn from this dive is to make sure you remember to put the SD card back in the GoPro (Toby Craig). You get so many more photos 📷.

The second dive was at five fathom caves. Another good dive said by all with good viz. With most divers on their deep dive certification, Malcolm missed out on some good-sized crays, and we all know how much he loves catching them. With all divers back on the boat by 12:30 we headed back to port.

Will Glendon

Photo credit - Konrad Scriba

Christmas Island - August 2026

We’re off to Christmas Island next August, and bookings are now open! Join the Underwater Explorers Club WA for an unforgettable week of diving in one of the Indian Ocean’s most spectacular destinations. Expect pristine reefs, warm tropical waters, and encounters with everything from schooling fish and turtles to majestic mantas.

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait too long to secure your spot – this is one dive adventure you won’t want to miss!

Sundowner, January 10th 2026

Come join the Underwater Explorers Club WA for a laid-back “It’s not Christmas, but it IS New Year” Sundowner at The Shoe Bar, Yagan Square on Saturday, 10th January, from 3–5pm.

We’ve booked a cosy inside spot for the club, so swing by for a relaxed afternoon catch-up with fellow divers — share a few laughs, swap some dive stories (the taller, the better!), and toast to the year ahead.

The Shoe is right by Perth Underground and just a short stroll from Elizabeth Quay Station, so getting there’s a breeze. The vibe’s always great, the drinks are cold, and the company’s even better.

Whether you’ve been part of the club for years or are brand new to the crew, this is your chance to unwind, reconnect, and help us kick off what might just become a new UEC tradition.

No wetsuit required — just bring your sunny self!

Cape Cruiser Returns to

Mandurah in December 2025

We’re heading back to Mandurah for another festive season of underwater adventures and Christmas sparkle!

From Friday, December 12th to Monday, December 15th, join us aboard Cape Cruiser for double dive days exploring Mandurah’s best sites, followed by evening canal cruises to soak up all the beautiful Christmas light displays. The canal cruises in the evening are family-friendly events, so bring the kids, the tinsel, and your best bad Christmas jokes!

Santa hats optional – dive gear essential.
Spots fill fast every year, so book early and don’t miss out on this highlight of the holiday season! Events are on the calendar now. 

Club Person of the Year 2025

Nominations Now Open

We’re calling for nominations for Club Person of the Year – the member who’s gone above and beyond to make our club a better place. Maybe they’re always lending a hand on dive days, helping new members, or just bringing great energy to every event.

If someone comes to mind, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your nomination (and a short note on why they deserve it) to pr@uecwa.com.au by November 30th.

Let’s celebrate the people who make our club such an awesome community – both above and below the surface!

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!

Newsletter Editor

Mel Daws - Public Relations