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Dive boat

Club Boat: Down Under

Down Under is the club’s primary vessel—a 5.9‑metre Swift aluminium rigid hull inflatable boat (RIB), purchased in 2009.

  • Capacity: Up to 9 divers (typical double-dive trips)
  • Engine: 175 hp Suzuki four-stroke outboard
  • Fuel Capacity: 150 litres (in-hull tank)

 

Boat Handling

Operating the club boat is a significant responsibility, involving the safety of members, equipment, and the vessel itself.

Only club-approved Boat Handlers may operate the boat during dive trips. However, all members are encouraged to gain experience by taking a turn at the helm under the direct supervision of an Approved Boat Handler.

If you’re interested in becoming a Boat Handler:

  • Take opportunities to practice under supervision
  • Keep a record of your experience
  • Progress through the club’s approval system

Approval Levels

There are five levels of Boat Handler approval:

  1. Novice Boat Handler
  2. Approved Boat Handler (Limited Approval)
  3. Approved Boat Handler (Full Approval)
  4. Site Approved Boat Handler
  5. Senior Boat Handler

Primary Boat Handler

The Primary Boat Handler is responsible for all boating operations during a club trip.

Key responsibilities:

  • Overall safety and operation of the vessel
  • Final decision-making authority during the trip
  • Supervision of all member boat use

Requirements:

  • Must be a Site Approved Boat Handler
  • Must be approved for the specific dive location

A Primary Boat Handler is required on all trips using the club boat.

Secondary Boat Handler

The Secondary Boat Handler supports the Primary Boat Handler and plays a key development role.

Responsibilities:

  • Assisting with navigation and boat operations
  • Gaining experience in site approach and anchoring
  • Maintaining surface watch while the Primary Boat Handler is diving

Requirements:

  • Approved Boat Handler (Limited or Full Approval)
  • Site approval not required

Senior Boat Handlers

Senior Boat Handlers are highly experienced members who contribute beyond operational roles.

They:

  • Demonstrate advanced boat handling competency
  • Mentor other Boat Handlers and aspiring members
  • Support training and development
  • Advise the Safety and Executive Committees on boating matters
  • Assist with approvals for Boat Handlers and dive sites

Towing the Boat

Towing requires skill, experience, and the right vehicle.

Requirements:

  • Demonstrated ability to tow and manoeuvre trailers
  • Approval from the Boat Officer
  • Vehicle rated to tow at least 2,000 kg

Boat weight (loaded): approximately 1,900 kg (including scuba tanks)

Getting Approved

  • Contact the boat officer if you believe you have the skills, experience and your vehicle is suitable
  • Members may learn under mentorship from an experienced tower
  • All towing arrangements must be approved by the club

Boat officer contact: boat@unidive.org

Forms and Documents

Boat handler forms, supporting documents, and current approval lists are available here.

Please note: This is a members-only section and requires a club login.