Mandatory Dive protection for Shark dives.

[gonetobaja]

With all of the press going around about the recent tragedy surrounding the Shark Diving trips, I wanted to pose this question.

Knowing that there is protection available to divers to protect from shark bite, Neptunic Sharksuits | The Creators of the Sharksuit Technology

1. Should predator dive operations be required to have protective measures available to customers

2. Should the customers be REQUIRED to wear the protection or should it be up to each diver.

We need to get past the tragedy and figure out how to make our sport safe in the eyes of people who may control our ability to dive with these magnificent creatures in the future.

 

[alcina]

No. Divers should choose for themselves. Divers should ask the operator before they go if the operator has these sorts of things available if they are interested. If the operator does not, and no, there should not be a requirement to have them, then the diver needs to sort it out before arriving.

Let's see some personal responsibility here and lead by example.

 

[Splitlip]

Let those who ride decide.

 

[fishb0y]

Are we up to 2 deaths this year now? Sure, lets make "shark suits" mandatory now... hmm... actually lets make spare airs a requirement for all divers since people also run out of air.

If a dive operator wants to, fine. Allowing an outside entity to start making mandatory equipment requirements (like snorkels at Long Beach, CA) is an open invitation for more government regulations to scuba. And of course we all know that the government makes all the right decisions.

 

[tc]

Are we up to 2 deaths this year now? Sure, lets make "shark suits" mandatory now... hmm... actually lets make spare airs a requirement for all divers since people also run out of air.

If a dive operator wants to, fine. Allowing an outside entity to start making mandatory equipment requirements (like snorkels at Long Beach, CA) is an open invitation for more government regulations to scuba. And of course we all know that the government makes all the right decisions.

Not sure there's much diving in Long Beach except the harbor, and I'd use a FFM for that.

When did Long Beach start requiring snorkels?

 

[matt215]

for PR purposes, take cages or some sort of protection, but don't require divers to use them.

 

[gonetobaja]

Are we up to 2 deaths this year now? Sure, lets make "shark suits" mandatory now... hmm... actually lets make spare airs a requirement for all divers since people also run out of air.

If a dive operator wants to, fine. Allowing an outside entity to start making mandatory equipment requirements (like snorkels at Long Beach, CA) is an open invitation for more government regulations to scuba. And of course we all know that the government makes all the right decisions.

I am wondering about some type of guidelines towards the operator not the diver. As an operator do you think that a predator dive operation should be required to at least have the protection available? If you are paying him to be a licensed operator what type of saftey guidelines is that operator held to? Currently there is no standard for these types of operations to be held to.

If you want to go on your own and try to chum up some sharks to dive with them I think you should be able to dive however you like. But when you are paying an operation to take you to the site, put you in the water and bring you back safely, what stops the operations from running the cheapest way possible in regards to saftey equipment and accident avoidance?

And,

If there was some type of saftey standard for the operator to follow than should the diver be forced to comply with the standards set forth to the operator.

This would make it so truly Advanced divers that require no guide/dive operation can search down and dive with sharks however they may. But the average diver/tourist that depends on the judgement and professionality of the operator be held to a standard, not an opinion.

 

[matts1w]

We better invent some sort of bear suit for campers as every now and then the smell of bacon is too much for those furry beasts and some poor camper in a Coleman tent gets his head bit....

Heck, maybe we need some sort of mandatory dog cage since kids are mauled by dogs all the time..

BTW. If a big shark is comin' for ya, it dont matter what your cert level is.

 

[alcina]

I am wondering about some type of guidelines towards the operator not the diver. As an operator do you think that a predator dive operation should be required to at least have the protection available? If you are paying him to be a licensed operator what type of saftey guidelines is that operator held to? .

But when you are paying an operation to take you to the site, put you in the water and bring you back safely, what stops the operations from running the cheapest way possible in regards to saftey equipment and accident avoidance?

In short, no, there should be no mandatory stuff. Divers must ask questions, evaluate the offerings and make informed choices.

Many areas of the planet have guidelines for various activities that operators must meet to be issue permits. Ask if you have concerns or are interested in more details than are provided in the glossy brochures.

I would hazard to say that most operators want to provide divers with an enjoyable and "safe" experience - after all, repeat business and word of mouth is essential to staying in business. Of course, operators should operate in a professional manner - you can't legislate that, though.

It is still the diver's responsibility to know what he/she is booking and signing up for.

If there was some type of saftey standard for the operator to follow than should the diver be forced to comply with the standards set forth to the operator.

I don't see the point of having mandatory regulations that are enforced and then thinking individuals can go around them. If they are such a good idea, they're a good idea for everyone. Otherwise you are talking recommendations, not regulations, and it will be up to various individual judgments.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

I'm just going to say "NO"

Mandatory like you could get a ticket or do some jail time if you get caught without one???

I can just imagine Diver prison.
What you in for man?
No shark suit.
How about you?
No snorkel, No Spare air and Mask on forehead.
Oh dude 3 time loser huh?
Yup going to the chair.