Shark dive advice?

[Juanjo]

At first, I´m sorry to write here, but I don´t know where to do. My name is JuanJo. I´m form spain and I´m a dive master diver. I´m looking for a job relationed about diving in Dublin, I´m really interested to learn english and to live in Ireland for a little time. Now I´m working like comercial diver in spain, but I want to work like a professional diver. In Spain I have job where I want, but I´m really interested to go out of my country and I really want just there. Is it possible to work there? Does someone know where? Does someone speak spanish?, thanks you very much ;-)

[DiveDiva]

Never never support shark dives where they feed them or attract them. There are many possibilities to dive with shark without to touch feed or trick them. If you go for such trips you support this bad behavior to the ecosystem. Same for dolphins. We divers are responsible for what is happening! Never support such things and they will change, operators do what people ask for!

[Technosurfer]

Yup not so many sharks there, and aliwal shoal is well known for sharks.

[Deepseadiver]

the safest way to dive with a shark is to not dive at all. Honestly enjoy your trip and i wont repeat anything here but just keep all these tips in mind.

[Archie_tech]

Please, please take me with you. I am very small and can fit into a med size suitcase. I can clean too...

[aldnz]

Hi Subzero
While responsible dive operators/instructors stress the importance of safe diving procedure and err on the side of caution, they tend to downplay the risk of a shark attack. Hardly surprising as a shark attack is bad for business.

The truth is, the I.S.A.F. (International Shark Attack File Organisation) official statistics show that shark attacks are on the increase.

Even so, shark attacks are uncommon, and you're more likely to be killed by lightning than fall victim to a shark attack, but when they do happen, the results are horrifying.

Like most predators, sharks use stealth and surprise to attack their victim, generally from behind. Which is why most shark attack survivor’s, report never seeing the shark that bit them.
Research by scientists and shark experts confirm, sharks seem to be very aware of a diver's eyes, simply being seen before contact is made can cause a shark to abort an attack.

I love diving with sharks and it truly is an unforgettable experience. If you're still unsure see this shark diving

[Mako]

Originally Posted by aldnz

Hi Subzero
Research by scientists and shark experts confirm, sharks seem to be very aware of a diver's eyes, simply being seen before contact is made can cause a shark to abort an attack.

This does not correspond to what I read from scientific researches and to what I experienced in participating in researches myself. Do you have any reference for that? Most of the accidents happen when you wake the instinct of the shark for example by doing shark feeding or harpoon hunting and keeping the dead fish on your body instead of taking it out of the water immediately. Sharks do not have a good eye sight and use other senses like smell and radar. I'd like to write so much on this but my time is limited. This replies exactly to the mentioned point, if someone has a specific question I will reply to it with pleasure. Humans just don't belong to the menu of sharks.
Mako

[Mako]

By the way, even if I don't believe in the eyes on strap theory as a shark protection (apart from my behavior I don't need any other protection), I will still buy one. They look good and will amaze the other divers diving with me.

Mako

[aldnz]

Hi Mako.
Thank you for your feedback, much appreciated.

I agree with much of what you say. Human behaviour can increase your risk of being attacked by a shark or any other animal for that matter.

I'd just like to comment on Sharks eyesight. Unlike humans, shark eyes have a layer of mirrored crystals located behind the retina known as the Tapetum Lucidu. This layer detects even tiny amounts of light and reflects it back onto the retina, increasing visual acuity. This enables sharks to see even in dark or murky water and it is estimated up to ten times greater than humans in clear conditions.

Many experts agree that eye contact can deter sharks from approaching a diver. Rolf Williams of the National Marine Aquarium in the UK advises: that if you are investigated by a shark, you should maintain eye contact at all times: let the shark know you are fully aware it is there and you can't be caught off guard.

If you'd like to know more about 'The science behind the sharkproof mask strap', and why most predators avoid eye contact with their intended victim, please see avoid shark attacks.

[Ola]

If shark diving is your thing you might want to consider Southern Africa as a destination. Over 100 shark species recorded along this coast and loads of operators offering dives to see sharks