UECWA Newsletter
21st May 2025
Upcoming Dives
Dive Report - Saturday 17th May
Photo credit - Phil Clark
Earlier in the week, Skipper Carl and DO Taryn thought we’d be the only people onboard Cape Cruiser this week. But alas, we were joined by 5 divers for a skipper's choice dive.
Unfortunately, Stragglers was not diveable due to the swell, so we decided to try out our usually reliable Roe Reef. The wind was a lot stronger than the 15knots predicted but we dropped the anchor anyway. Taryn almost fell overboard as the dive float took off in the wind. As soon as we put the shot line down it almost jumped back out of the water due to the strong current.
So we pulled up anchor and headed to the south side of Rotto towards Crystal Palace. A lot calmer over this side, but a bit surgy below and a little rocky on top. Carl and Taryn were treated to some whale watching, tail slaps and breaches whilst our divers explored numerous swim throughs below. Highlights included a large cuttlefish, lots of macro life and a return of the jellyfish invasion!
We also witnessed another scenario where a boat directly ignored our 3 dive flags and drove directly overhead our divers. They didn’t even slow down or acknowledge Carl and I trying to get their attention. Luckily our divers heard the boat and remained at depth. Very frustrating.
We headed into the bay for a bit of relief from the rocking before sailing back out near Dyer Island. Divers reported more favourable conditions here in the calmer seas. Visibility up to 15m and a supermarket of crays for our lone crayfisherman to choose from. He returned with 3 crays.
Easy trip home with little to no wind and calm seas. Back in the pen by 2:30pm. Many thanks to Stephen, Phil, Greg and Tony for helping with the clean-up afterwards. Much appreciated. Maybe there are still a few potential DO’s amongst us.
Taryn Schuster
AGM & 70th Birthday Celebration
Join us on Friday, July 18th at the Swan Yacht Club as we celebrate 70 years of the Underwater Explorers Club of WA and hold our Annual General Meeting.
This is a free event, but bookings are essential through Member Jungle so we can ensure we have plenty of cake!
If you're interested in joining the committee, nomination forms can be downloaded from the website under Resources > Documents > Committee Nomination Form 2025–2026. Please submit yours ahead of the AGM.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Help Us Secure Rottnest Accommodation
We’re getting ready for next year’s Rottnest dive trip—and we need a few volunteers to jump online for the next Stay Rottnest Open Day on Wednesday, July 2nd.
It’s a simple task: just join the virtual queue on the morning of the Open Day to help us book accommodation. The more people in the queue, the better our chances!
If you’re available to help, please contact Liz Davey socialbookings@uecwa.com.au.
Thanks for helping make next year’s trip happen!
2025 Dive Trips - Last Spot!
19th - 25th August: Derawan Island - $2470 AUD (subject to exchange rates)
A $340 deposit is required upfront, and final payment is due on 30th May.
JUST ONE SPOT REMAINING!
Containers for Change
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. or use our member number C10320909.
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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