Taking pride on the water: Vitamin Sea (2015)
Vitamin Sea is a 6.5m RHIB (Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat) with a white fiberglass hull and grey pontoons made by Gemini Marine. It is powered by a 150HP Mercury outboard engine. Our call sign is Vitamin Sea and vessel registration number is II256S.
RHIBs are extremely stable in the water and are favored by government agencies around the world for their performance in all weather conditions. Vitamin Sea has a full compliment of safety equipment including VHF Radio, GPS, Sounder, EPIRB, life jackets, flares, and first aid kit. We also carry a Oxygen Kit for any medical event that may benefit from the administration of oxygen.
Boat Trip Pricing
We have the following fees to cover boat maintenance when diving local dive sites with the club:
- Single Dive: $30.00 (includes $5 fuel levy)
- Double Dive: $40.00 (includes $5 fuel levy)
We have the following fees to cover boat maintenance when diving regional dive sites with the club:
- Single Dive: $40.00 (includes $5 fuel levy)
- Double Dive: $50.00 (includes $5 fuel levy)
Essential Equipment for a Boat Dive
Boat dives require additional equipment beyond a standard dive kit. Since dive sites are typically deeper than shore dives, you may reach your No Decompression Limit (NDL) before running low on air. For this reason, a dive computer (not just a bottom timer) is mandatory for all boat dives.
To ensure you can be easily located by the boat if you surface at a distance or in low-visibility conditions a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) is required. Using a small reel with your SMB is also highly beneficial, as it allows you to deploy it from depth, enabling the boat crew to track your position before you surface while simultaneously alerting other marine traffic to the presence of a diver below.
A torch is essential for night and sunset dives but is also highly recommended for daytime dives to enhance underwater signaling while allowing you to see under ledges or make the colours of the reef pop!
No dive gear? No problem!
The club offers a complete range of dive gear for hire, whether you need individual items or a full equipment package. Visit our equipment page to explore your options. Please note that equipment hire fees are in addition to boat dive fees.
Sun Protection & Hydration
Proper sun care and hydration are crucial for a safe and comfortable boat diving experience. AUSC strongly recommends wearing a hat, sunglasses, and applying sunblock before and after diving. Additionally, ensure you bring a sufficient personal supply of drinking water to stay hydrated throughout the dive.
Booking a Boat Dive
To dive with us, you must be a current club member. If your membership is up to date, head over to our Facebook Group, where we post upcoming dives. Since we rely on weather forecasts, which are only available six days in advance, dive schedules are advertised weekly.
If you find a dive you’re interested in, simply comment on the post to let the trip coordinator know you’d like to join. As long as you have an active membership, the boat isn’t full, and you meet the required training and experience level, you’ll be added to the list. Once you’re on the list, be sure to check for updates and any last-minute changes due to weather.
Refund Policy
Due to spots on boat dives being highly contended there is a general rule of no refunds if you cancel or are a no show. If AUSC manages to fill your spot if enough notice is given a refund or dive credit may be considered. All refunds and dive credits are at the of the executive committee. If AUSC cancels a boat dive due to weather, mechanical issues, sick boat handler etc and you have already paid, AUSC will issue a boat dive credit or refund.
