UECWA Newsletter

3rd September 2025

Upcoming Dives

Blue Grouper Cave & Victoria Station (Rotto Drop Off) - Sat 06/09

10 Meter Spire & Hughs Duffield Ridge - Sun 14/09

The Hangar & Kerry's Caverns - Sat 20/09

Stragglers Exploration Double - Sun 28/09

Dive Report - Sunday 31st August

Photo credits - Konrad Scriba

Sadly, no dive report was submitted last weekend, but it's great to see our divers out having a good day.

Thanks to Konrad for submitting his beautiful photos to share. 

Derawan Dive Trip Report - August 2025

Photo credits - Jen Pryor

Our group of 11 has just returned from what can only be described as an epic adventure to Derawan, Indonesia.

After more than 24 hours of travel, we arrived at the Derawan Dive Lodge — weary but in high spirits. What unfolded over the following days was nothing short of extraordinary.

From there, the diving was off the charts. One moment we were drifting along aquarium-like reefs, the next we were clinging to rocks in a current strong enough to send our bubbles sideways while sharks cruised past and a chilled eagle ray glided effortlessly in front of us.

The highlights were endless: hammerhead sightings, eagle rays, leopard sharks (sorry Mel!), huge schools of barracuda, manta rays, countless turtles, and so much more.

For many, the pinnacle was the 6am journey to a Bagan fishing platform, where we came face to face with three majestic whale sharks. Watching these gentle giants feed on discarded fish and being close enough to film the inside of a whale shark’s mouth was an experience few divers ever get to claim.

But the trip was about more than just diving. It was about the people. Laughter carried from sunrise to sunset, friendships were strengthened, and we were spoiled with the most amazing food from our generous hosts.

Returning to Perth was a shock to the system — both for the temperature and the sudden end to such an adventure. But while our tans will fade, the memories of this journey are deeply etched in our hearts.

Jen Pryor

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

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 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 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.

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 with your Committee members when you see us on the boat!

Newsletter Editor

Mel Daws - Public Relations