Founded in 1959, the Darwin Sub Aqua Club is dedicated to promoting and enjoying diving in and around the Darwin area. Over the years, the club has played a significant role in the creation of artificial reefs and the locating of various wrecks, including the historic wreckage of the Ellengowan. The club prides itself on its contribution to the preservation of marine heritage and has collaborated with the Northern Territory Government's heritage branch on multiple wreck surveys.
As a non-profit organisation, the Darwin Sub Aqua Club gathers every Thursday night at 5. 30 pm at the Darwin Ski Club for diving discussions and social activities. The club's facilities are conveniently situated within the Ski Club on 20 Conacher Street in Fannie Bay. It's important to note that the club's Annual General Meeting (AGM) takes place on Sunday 13th August at 11 am in the club shed located within the Ski Club grounds.
The Darwin Sub Aqua Club is grateful for the generous support it receives from various sources. It proudly acknowledges the Northern Territory Government for its funding through the community benefit grant, which has been utilised for boat rib tube replacement and sun protection/shade. The Buff club in Stuart Park is also recognised for their generous support. Additionally, the club expresses gratitude to the friendly locals of Darwin who provide cold beer and warm smiles.
Membership at the Darwin Sub Aqua Club requires members to have their own equipment, as the club only has a limited number of cylinders available for use. Prospective members should have recent diving experience and must provide dive cards and log books when submitting their application. It's important to note that many of the dive sites are 18 metres or deeper. Membership applications are typically accepted on most Thursday nights, and payment can be made through direct bank transfer or cash (no EFTPOS facilities available).
All members of the Darwin Sub Aqua Club are required to become members of the Darwin Ski Club, either through the club or as a family directly with the ski club. This allows the Darwin Sub Aqua Club to operate within the ski club's grounds. If assistance is needed in this process, prospective members can contact the club for guidance.
There are two types of membership available at the club. Diving membership, priced at $120. 00, includes membership at the ski club. Associate/Non-diving membership, on the other hand, is priced at $30.
00 and also includes membership at the ski club. The club's financial year runs from 1st April to 31st March.
The Darwin Sub Aqua Club has a safety manual that must be read by all new members. Dive fees are charged for club dives, with a minimum requirement of four divers diving in two shifts, and one diver able to operate the boat during each shift. A non-diver may also operate the boat. It is a legal requirement to have at least one person on the boat at all times, and significant fines exist for non-compliance.
Prices for club dives vary depending on the dive site, with additional costs for air or nitrox tanks. Tank hire, air fills, and nitrox fills also incur separate charges.
For individuals interested in dive training, the club recommends contacting Todd Learn to Dive Darwin via Facebook, phone (0401 751 651), or email.
It's worth noting that operating a pleasure craft in the Northern Territory does not require a licence. However, all safety equipment and procedures must comply with the Safety Guide for Pleasure Craft requirements. Diver safety is of utmost importance, and additional equipment such as oxygen, a radio, an EPIRB, the international A flag, and a floating line must be carried on board.
To get in touch with the Darwin Sub Aqua Club, individuals can email them or send mail to their postal address at GPO Box 1461, Darwin NT 0801. The club also shares updates on their website, which was last updated on 2nd July 2023.
The club has organised various diving trips over the years, providing members with the opportunity to explore exciting dive sites. In 2019, members embarked on a trip to Malapascua in the Philippines, arranged by Allways Dive Expeditions. The trip involved staying and diving with Evolution Beach and Dive Resort. In 2018, six members travelled to the beautiful island of Mabul in Sipidan for several dive experiences.
The Darwin Sub Aqua Club welcomes all diving enthusiasts and offers a supportive and engaging environment for divers of all levels to connect and explore the underwater wonders of the Darwin area and beyond.