About USFA Inc.

The Underwater Skindivers & Fishermen’s Association Inc was re-invigorated in August 2006 after a period of 33 years operating under various formats. Along with our name, our original logo has been remastered but using the original design and colour scheme.

Read all of our Mission Statement

Contact

Follow this link for Club Contacts

Contact details for the Underwater Skindivers & Fisherman's Association Inc. office bearers:

Office Address Person
Chairman Peter Saunders
Deputy Chairman Adrian Wayne
Assistant Deputy Chairman John Schulter
Secretary Vacant
Treasurer Lee Dalli
Memberships Lee Dalli
Accreditation Darren Higgins
Sports Secretary Simon Trippe
Environmental Officer Adrian Jeloudev
Webmaster Rob Wills
Magazine John Higgins
Historical Officer Mel Brown
Public Affairs Officer Jack Hannan
Recognised Training Officer Josef Hyzdal
Records Aaron Carey
Research Sascha Schulz
Endangered Species Sascha Schulz
Advisory Council Liaison Adrian Wayne
Marine Parks Liaison (North) Dallas Davies
Marine Parks Liaison (Central) Simon Trippe
Marine Parks Liaison (South) Ric Cumming
Public Officer Craig Shephard
Members Liaison Vlad Hric

Club Contacts

Contact Officers for Clubs and Independents

St George Spearfishing Club
1. Lee Dalli - 0413 033 224
2. Craig Shephard - 0408 967 576

Mosman Whalers
1. Matt Poulton - 0427 967 528
2.

North Shore Underwater Club
1. Julian Chan - 0402 431 718
2. Chi Lo - 0401 693 518

Sans Souci Dolphins
1. Dan Galea - 0412 017 208
2. Simon Trippe - 0439 818 409

Central Coast Sealions
1. Stuart Rech - 0435 143 128
2. Andrew Pearce - 0417 423 820

Newcastle Neptunes
1. George Davies - 02 4957 4571
2. Dallas Davies - 02 4957 4482

Living Water Freedivers
1. Stephen Bird - 0419 550 717
2. Ian Mallett - 0488 278 993

South Coast Skindivers
1. Josef Hyzdal - 0418 740 266
2. Ellis Higgins - 0402 121 552

Revesby Workers Spearfishing Club
1. Eddie Skerry - 0410 599 766
2. Garth Byron - 0448 490 706

Independent Divers
1. Darren Higgins - 0417 216 008
2. Lee Dalli - 0413 033 224

Mission Statement

The Underwater Skindivers & Fisherman’s Association Inc was re-invigorated in August 2006 after a period of 33 years operating under various formats. Along with our name, our original logo has been remastered but using the original design and colour scheme.

Our association is devoted to the development, promotion and protection of Spearfishing as an ecologically sustainable method of fishing. Additionally, we offer a forum for information exchange via our website and knowledge base from our many dedicated members.
We strive to achieve this through the following actions:

  • Facilitate the accreditation of all NSW Spearfishers.
  • Provide literature and media statement that educate participants and the public.
  • Work proactively with all stakeholder groups and regulatory authorities.
  • Conduct or assist with surveys that may be directly impacted by our activities.
  • Promote the positive and sustainable nature of our sports.
  • Provide rules and regulations for competition that minimise any adverse effects of our sports.
  • Work with NSW government authorities to ensure that all conservative measures are met.
  • Work with other similar recreational groups to increase awareness of our activities and attract new members.
  • Strongly oppose any limits to be placed on our sports that are not scientifically proven to be necessary.

The following time line describes briefly some of the changes observed in our association since its inception:

4th April, 1948
Underwater Spear Fishermens Association of NSW

March 1955
Underwater Skindivers & Fisherman’s Association of NSW

1st February, 1973
NSW Underwater Federation

28th October 1978
Australian Underwater Federation NSW Branch

6th December, 1997
NSW Spearfishing Commission

19th August, 2006
Underwater Skindivers & Fisherman’s Association Inc.

Policies

USFA Policies

Code of Conduct for Fishing FADs

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Code of Conduct for Fishing around GNS

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USFA Travel Policy

What is a Travel & Accommodation Reimbursement Claim?

A Travel Reimbursement Claim is a request made by officers of the Executive Committee for reimbursement of expenses incurred as a result of undertaking travel while performing an official part of his or her position.

Travel and Accommodation Reimbursement Claim consists of 4 parts:

  1. Application to Travel – Form 1
  2. Travel Reimbursement Claim – Form 2
  3. Travel Reimbursement Claim Travel Diary – Form 3
  4. Rates Book

All of these forms are located on separate tabs of the excel file USFA Travel Forms & Rates.xls

When do I submit a Travel Reimbursement Claim (Domestic Travel)?

Travel related expenses must be submitted within 21 days after travel has been completed, be accompanied by the completed Travel Diary, and have an approved Form

Application for Approval to Travel Form 1 .

Please note that to be eligible for approval, the destination must be more than 200km from your private residence and be a member of the USFA Executive. Club delegates must approach their clubs for travel claims.

How do I complete the Travel Reimbursement Claim?

The Travel Reimbursement Claim form is to be completed immediately upon your return from official travel. All details must be entered into the Diary on the third tab of Form file before completing the Travel Claim Form 2 on the second tab.

Rates are to be obtained from the Rates List .

Once you have completed all details in the Travel Claim Form 2 , ensure you have signed the declaration, obtained the Chairman or Secretary’s signature before submitting your claim and diary. Attach a copy of your original Travel Approval Form 1 .

Once all forms are completed and signed, post to the Membership officer at:

PO Box 362 Cromer, NSW 2099.

The forms will be processes and a cheque returned to the address atop of Form 2 .

Use of Private Motor Vehicle for Official Business

Ensure you have completed all details of your trip in the diary on the first tab, then complete as follows:

  • Enter the engine capacity (cc)
  • Enter the total km travelled
  • Enter Official Business Rate

Total: The form should perform this function. If it doesn’t, multiply the total kilometres travelled by the appropriate rate you are claiming and enter the resulting amount directly into the Total field

Authorisations

Declaration by Claimant

  • The claimant must certify that travel has been authenticated and details are correct.
  • The claimant must itemise and certify the total costs incurred for the trip.

Who is an Authorised Officer

Only the Chairman or Secretary are authorised to approval travel.
An Authorised Officer is to certify that travel undertaken by the claimant is in accordance with official requirements.

Rates - Fourth Tab

Lists all current rates applicable to items in Claim Form

What other things do I need to consider?

A travel diary (located on the second tab of the Travel Reimbursement Claim Workbook) must be completed and attached to the Travel Reimbursement Claim. Claims made without a travel diary will be returned unprocessed to the claimant.

Original receipts (tax invoices) must support and be attached to the Travel Claim. Copies will not be accepted. If original receipts cannot be provided, a Statutory Declaration is to be provided that details the reason. Faxed copies of Travel Claim and Receipts are not acceptable and will not be processed. Original copies of claim form, travel diary and attached receipts are to be mailed to the Membership officer at:

PO Box 362 Cromer, NSW 2099.

Ensure you have attached a copy of the approved Application for Approval to Travel Form 1 .

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Rules & Regulations

Competition Rules (in Competition section)

USFA Code of Conduct (PDF)