More than 40 members of the AUF will compete in selected zones from Eden to Green Cape from Saturday, January 20, to January 27.

The national chairman of the AUF, Adrian Wayne, said shallow water blackout, sharks and boating accidents are some of the risks divers face.

“Three safety boats will be operating throughout the event, they are fully equipped with first aid gear and will report any shark sightings or concerns from the spearfishers,” Mr Wayne said.

Mr Wayne said the AUF aims to promote safe diving.

“We really want to promote safe diving, we want to see people with common sense when diving how to treat certain situations and when the best times are to dive,” he said.

 “All divers will have floats attached to them so you can see where they are.”

Mr Wayne said that passing boats are the highest risk divers face.

“Shallow water blackout and sharks are less of a risk compared to boating accidents – the most likely is divers being hit by a boat,” Mr Wayne said.

“We have been in touch with Maritime NSW to inform boats of the zones where competitors will be in the water.”

Divers will compete in one of the four set zones each day.  “We have nominated four zones, although only three zones will be selected, we will use one zone each day,” Mr Wayne said.

Competition categories include juniors under the age of 15, women, men and grand masters.

“The juniors will have an adult with them who will help with everything but spearing the fish,” Mr Wayne said.

“There are also about five to seven women competing, they are really good. Some are way better than a lot of the men.”

The Eden Services and Social Club and Eden Rural Fire Brigade will auction off the freshly caught fish on Monday January 22, and Wednesday, January 24, at 4-4.30pm on both days.

Members of the public are encouraged to head along to the auction at Quarantine Bay in Eden, where all proceeds will be donated to local charities.