UECWA Newsletter
14th May 2025
Upcoming Dives
Dive Report - Saturday 10th May
Photo credit - Marcus Liley
Photo credit - Sue Haste
Geoff Geard, myself and Filip Welna picked up 8 divers for our Saturday dives from the Port Coogee loading jetty on a perfect Saturday Morning. Chris McCoppin was also on the boat for the day to actually do a couple of dives.
We originally planned to dive Swirl Reef and Arch Rock on Roe Reef. However, Geoff thought Flat Top might be good on the day, so we headed out there.
The wind was a bit stronger there than we expected. However, there was little swell and surface waves so it seemed like a good idea until we dropped the stern drop flag to find a seriously strong current running.
Back to 'plan A'. Swirl Reef it was. There was another boat right on the site, so we anchored off to the east a bit and, with no current and better protection from the wind, the conditions were as good as we could get for the morning. The divers went in finally just before 10.00am and had a glorious dive with excellent 'vis' for the time of year, and a water temperature of about 22 deg C. Lots of fish around and an excellent dive site for exploration.
We then moved the boat at a leisurely pace down to Arch Rock, so the divers could get their surface interval and some lunch before the second dive.
Arch Rock did not disappoint either. The wind was blowing around 15 kts, but the sea was relatively calm and the 'vis' was excellent. All the divers loved the dive. Some who had not dived it before were absolutely enthralled by the site. It is quite something.
After recovering all our divers, we had a very comfortable run back to Port Coogee, where Geoff, Filip and I put the boat away, washed her down, ready for Sunday's crew to take her out.
Thanks, Geoff, Chris McCoppin and Filip for all your great contributions to the Club and making my day a lot easier.
Tom Bassett
Dive Report - Sunday 11th May
With six divers and three crew, we set off to our first dive site, Dhufish Tunnel. Viz was about 3 to 5 metres. The current was pretty strong, but the swell was not too bad. Five of the six divers came up some way from the boat. Luckily, we had the flag out with the extra line. All the divers reported plenty of sea life with pipe fish in the seagrass and a big invasion of jelly fish right near the end of the dive all around the boat.
Second dive was changed from Dragon's Lair to the Maze. There was a baby seahorse seen by Tazra at the start of the dive as everyone jumped in. Viz was around 8 to 10 metres. There were baldchin gropers, blue devils and a few big dhufish seen by some divers along with big schools of the usual fish life.
Will Glendon
Do You Remember Harold Roberts?
Our club recently received a touching message from retired Chief Superintendent John Horton, one of the original police divers in Western Australia. John trained under our former club member and past president, Harold Roberts, during his early days as a police cadet.
John remembers Harold as an outstanding diving instructor—knowledgeable in diving physiology, highly skilled in the water, and always generous with his time and guidance. Now 87 and writing his life story, John is hoping to include a clear photograph of Harold, ideally one showing him in or near the water. He mentioned Harold often wore a beanie between dives, which might help spark recognition.
John has this one photo taken during training, but he’s looking for something clearer and more suitable for his memoir.
If any club members have photographs of Harold Roberts or stories to share, please email pr@uecwa.com.au.
For those that enjoy a bit of nostalgia, John also included a copy of his original diving certificate from 1959.
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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