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DIVING WITH SHARKS
GUIDELINES FOR SAFE
SHARK ENCOUNTERS
In time for the start of the autumn shark
season, here are some rules to follow
when entering water where sharks are
present or likely to be encountered.
Remember, you are entering the realm
of highly evolved and perfectly adapted
open-ocean predators, who should be
treated with respect and caution.
While the risks in diving with sharks are
minimal, following certain behavioural
rules helps to avoid potentially stressful
or even dangerous situations.
• Feeding or baiting sharks is
illegal throughout the Egyptian
Red Sea. If you feel there is any
sign of feeding activity in the
area;
do not enter the water
• Only enter the water if you are
comfortable with the situation
and confident that you can stay
calm.
• Avoid any quick, jerky or erratic
movements.
• You are most vulnerable at the
surface so descend quickly once
in the water and monitor your
depth during the dive.
• When you want (or need) to leave
the water, do so in a calm and
orderly fashion and remember
to follow standard safe diving
practices.
• Avoid rapid ascents, especially if
there is a shark directly beneath
you.
• Most sharks that are likely to
come close to divers are found
in open water rather than
near the reef. If you don’t feel
comfortable, swim near the reef
and if conditions allow, surface
next to the reef to avoid attention
from curious sharks.
• Do not try to touch or in any way
harass any shark. Also ensure
that you always leave the shark
room to swim away and don’t
block off any exits.
• Do not be alarmed if a shark
begins to calmly circle you.
Ensure that you turn with it and
maintain visual contact.
• Stay alert and look around
you from time to time to see if
another shark is approaching
you. As predators, sharks will try
to approach unknown objects
unseen as part of their natural
behaviour.
• Generally, sharks are more
reluctant to closely approach
groups of divers than individuals.
Background: A diver encounters an Oceanic
whitetip shark
Right: The whale shark code of conduct
Whale Sharks are passive creatures and can be agitated by aggressive behaviour
such as being touched, or chased. It is as much a diver’s responsibility as anyone’s
to ensure the survival of Whale Sharks for future generations. This means causing
minimal disturbance to the sharks when approaching by boat or when diving. Although
Whale Sharks are harmless, their sheer size makes it necessary to exercise caution
around them, especially at the tail end.
Divers need to be aware of any local regulations or protocols set by the dive organisation
regarding behaviour around Whale Sharks before entering the water. Regardless
of whether there are any regulations are in place, please follow these general
guidelines developed and promoted by The Shark Trust, the Australian Department of
Conservation and Land Management and PADI and the Project AWARE Foundation,
both for your own safety and for the safety of the Sharks.
Swimmers and divers
WHALE SHARK
CODE OF CONDUCT
reprinted courtesy of The Shark Trust
• Do not attempt to touch, ride, or
chase a Whale Shark
• Do not restrict normal movement
or behaviour of the Shark
• Maintain a minimum distance of 3
metres from the Whale Shark
• Do not undertake flash photography
• Do not use underwater motorised
diver propulsions
THE EQUALIZER Sep-Oct 2011