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After reading the blogs regarding the diver's gripes about the shark dive experience at UNEXSO, I really had to add my opinion.
The staff at UNEXSO are all people I've come to know and adore when I spent some months on the island. They run one of the most professional dive operations you'll find blended with family activities. There are few dive operations that could cater to the needs of practically every diver, whether that diver is a DSD (Discover Scuba Diver), an avid experienced technical diver, a professional documentary film-maker or even a Hollywood production company. I know because I've witnessed them do these things, do them well and professionally and manage to cater to these people simultaneously including many non-diving activities such as open ocean swimming and dolphin programs for non-divers. You'll find the dive staff to be one of the most relaxed, helpful, pleasant and experienced in the business. Sure, new instructors and divemasters working there won't have the knowledge of the seasoned pros, but they are learning to provide for the safety and fun of their customers alongside some of the best.
Scott is a personal friend of mine. If he shouted at a customer underwater, it is because YOU HAVE TO SHOUT underwater to be heard through a regulator, the bubbles, the sound of a scuba unit, and the noises of the sea. I think the only time Scott would actually shout would be if the Giants won the Superbowl again. I've been on boats with Scott, diving with him, and hanging out and I really can't believe that he would be anything but mild-mannered, soft-spoken, and professional. It's not his way.
Diving, for anyone who knows anything about good scuba diving, is a team effort when a group enters the water together. Every diver in the group needs to put the safety of the team, the pros, and the surface support crew ahead of his or her own selfish needs for a better view or for photo opportunities. Sharks have sharp teeth that could pose a serious risk to human flesh if accidental contact, mistaken identity, or behavior that might seem aggressive or unusual to the shark were to occur. The shark dives, of which I've taken part in a few with routine customers and private charters with professional photographers, are conducted to protect the sharks from humans as much as humans from the sharks. The group needs to cooperate fully with the shark feeders and safety divers to minimize any danger to anyone including the sharks themselves. This means following the directions of those who know these sharks and who know what human behaviors might pose a potential safety issue to the letter, immediately, and comply with all directions for the safety and enjoyment of all. I've participated in shark dives on other islands and the staff at UNEXSO is the best in the business at this type of specialty dive, IMHO.
UNEXSO offers private charters, training, and programs to those who want to participate or photograph sharks in ways in which their personal needs can be catered. Often, divers complain that photographers aren't the best of buddies because they are too focused on the subject and not on the needs of the team. With the proper attitude, training and awareness, divers can be both exceptional photographers at the same time as being exceptional buddies. This is the hallmark of the cave diving community and can be learned by the open water community as well. If the diver in this situation was a dive pro, he should have shown more awareness and respect for the safety of the team.
If Scott had a problem with this, he would have rightly so.
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