Supporting and representing recreational scuba diving clubs and their members (since the 1960's!).

As a reminder: The SDFV needs your clubs participation!!!!!!!
If your club can't send a representative to meetings, we still need representatives contact details so that they can provide input on issues for your club.

Prom 09!!!

22/10/09 Wilsons Promontory trip only a week away!!!  Most of the SDFV clubs will be there, launching boats off the beach at Tidal River to access some of the best diving in Victoria.  There will be good people, good times, good diving and hopefully good weather, with less marquees ending up on other peoples tents in the night.  The Saturday night BBQ this year is being hosted by Black Rock Underwater Dive Group (BRUDG).

 The ex-HMAS Canberra - a new divesite in the making.

15/10/09 After a lot of discussion between the SDFV and Parks Victoria (the site managers), the likely new cost of a dive will be $5, which is a bit more reasonable.  This is not set in stone, but is a lot better than the $20.  There is a lot of useful information (including a site map, location and regulations) at the Parks Vic website:

http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=294

There are good indications that diving will be opened within the next month or so.

4/10/09 Finally, the weather allowed the Canberra to sink.  Well done to everyone involved, especially VARS, for all the work they've put in.

18/9/09 The SDFV has been advised that the likely management plan for independent divers will require them to pay $20 PER DIVER for a 2hour time slot (ie. single dive).  There will be no refunds or transfers if the conditions are not safe to get out The Heads on the day.  This allows 4-5 non-charter boats access to the wreck per day.  This is a poor outcome for independent clubs and private recreational divers, and we have informed Parks Victoria that it will only encourage illegal diving and/or general disinterest (both of which would be a real shame, considering how much work has been put in to get it).

14/9/09 The sinking was called off due to high winds and general unsuitable weather.  Check the VARS and exhmascanberra websites for further information (updated hourly).

13/8/09 The new scheduled date for the sinking(!!!) is Saturday the 12th of September, at 9am.  Be aware that boat ramps may be busy that morning!  More info on the VARS website at www.vars.org.au, including details about the sinking ball.

10/8/09 The SDFV has been attending meetings with Parks Victoria on behalf of its member clubs to discuss access to the wreck for independent clubs and private divers.  Hopefully the access protocols will be finalised soon after the sinking so we can all dive it as soon as possible.

3/8/09 A large meeting (amongst delegates from member clubs) was held to allow the SDFV to create draft SDFV wreck and artificial reef codes of practise.  These are still subject to change, as the Parks Victoria management plan has not been finalised, but they are not anticipated to change much.  Don't forget that they are meant to be read in conjunction with the overall SDFV code of practise, so they do not mention things which are already covered in these documents.

19/10/06 The VARS team have been successful and have won an interstate bid to secure the former Royal Australian Navy Guided Missile Frigate, ex-HMAS Canberra, as a new artificial dive attraction. Victorian Tourism Minister's Press release "VICTORIA GETS THAT SINKING FEELING, SELECTED FOR EXCITING NEW DIVE SITE"

19/6/06 The SDFV is encouraging the Victorian Artificial Reef Society to secure the ex-HMAS Canberra for scuttling as a new artificial reef.

The Dive-Oz discussion forums have some more information on this.
VARS have their own website www.vars.org.au

The 2009 AGM was held on Monday 3rd August

Also many thanks to all who have volunteered their time and effort to support the SDFV's endeavours in protecting and enhancing the rights of recreational scuba divers and their clubs.

18/9/09 Added Chairmans Report: http://www.sdfv.org.au/docs/SDFV%20Chairpersons%20Report%202009.pdf

Port Phillip Bay Channel Deepening Project 

These links are still useful:

The SDFV  submitted a comment on the SEES that opposed the project. We were unconvinced by the SEES document.

Sunken Assets 2007

Photos from the event - many thanks to Priya for taking them. It was a great day, enjoyed by divers and non-divers.

It’s 25 years since the Historic Shipwreck Act was introduced to protect Victoria’s rich maritime heritage. Help Heritage Victoria mark the occasion by joining us in a fascinating day discovering links to our sea-faring past.
Sunken Assets 2007 flyer

Open to the public Sunday 19 August, 2007.
The flyer has been updated with program and ticket purchasing details - please download it again or go straight to http://www.sdfv.org.au/SA2007 for the latest information and the link to the booking service.

The  Sunken Assets 2007 Program.