shark utila

[newbie090716]

I havent even started training yet (going to Utila to do my OW cert in three weeks).

But i have this niggling question that won't go away so forgive my complete lack of knowledge on the subject:

When you are at, say, 60 - 100 feet and an emergency happens ie and aggressive bull shark or two start circling or you have equipment problems and you feel the need get ou tof the water and get out fast - what do you do?

I know that a rapid ascent can be dangerous due to the danger of decompression sickness but if intimidated by a beastie shark or if you have to get out do you just shoot up fast and take the risk?

Hope this question isnt too naive but it's been puzzling me all day!

 

[Doc]

Q: "Intimidated by a beastie shark"?

A: Better work through that before it happens.

Q: Equipment problems "and you feel the need to get out of the water and get out fast"?

A: See previous answer.

On your first or 1000th dive, you will quite likely be faced with critical decisions. Some will be posed to you by reality, some will be based upoon your emotion.

You will have to then decide what to do in that instant, but you must also know that you'll be living with the consequences of that decision for the rest of your life- whether it will be only for the next eight minutes or many years- healthy or crippled.

 

[James Bond boat entry]

I have done a lot of diving around Utila, you do not have to worry about sharks with teeth, they are not around; I do not live on the island and have no need to deceive you to make a buck.

As for equipment failures, visit all the dive shops and choose a dive center with the newest regulators, or better yet, buy yourself a set of low end regs and take them with you.

Check out this website -> Buy scuba gear, scuba diving and snorkeling equipment, and everything underwater from LeisurePro.com

 

[diversteve]

The only sharks you might (hopefully) see around Utila are Whale Sharks and they don't have any teeth...

 

[stadevene]

You already have the answers but as someone who doesn't have a lifetime of dives I'll reinforce them. I too have been to Utila - on a trip with The Shark Research Institute no less - and you won't find any dangerous sharks, or in our case any sharks (a week long trip to see whale sharks and not a one in sight! As Capt Willy says "the ocean is a desert").

I think it's natural to be apprehensive prior to your first dives and prior to training. You're more than likely to get good training in the classroom and in the pool which will prepare you for the dives. I would suggest getting the book ahead of time and do some reading now while your in the comfort of your home. It should allow you to absorb it all better.

There are lots of nice safe dives around Utila so as Roatanman says, just remember your training and remain calm. Your instructors will help ensure you're not doing anything crazy and after some practice your comfort level will increase...and eventually you will see a shark or two and think nothing of them.

Enjoy Utila, it's got some great diving. I love the bay islands. And btw, who are you diving with and where are you staying?

Cheers

 

[BonaireDan]

I have done lots of Bay Island diving as well. Love the islands but I too have missed the whale sharks.

As far as gear goes and gear emergencies - with experience, a good instructor and good training you will learn how to manage any potential issues. Today's gear that is well maintained and regularly checked each dive will likely not be an issue for you.

As far as sharks in the Bay Islands the nurse sharks are the most frequent and they are far more afraid of you then you are of them.

I just looked at the Global Shark Attack web site yesterday ( How to search GSAF data ). The 2009 incidents are of interest in that NO DIVER was reported as being attacked underwater. The only report of a diver attacked was while the diver was on the surface. Otherwise the attacks are surfers and swimmers in shallow areas. There are more automobile accident deaths each day in your hometown area than shark attack deaths worldwide in a year. So the question is - Where are you safest? - Not in your car on a daily basis.

Enjoy Utila. The Bay Islands are great. Have plenty of rum drinks (Flor de Cana) and Salva Vida cerveza (safely of course).

 

[Capt.JimDavis]

I don't live on Utila or around that area but depending on my traveling experience, the only SHARKS I met on those kind of touristic paradise islands were running the gift shops !

 

[Jupiter31]

Thats why divers in Utila are routinely issued "shark darts" or "Bang sticks" by operators to ward off agressive preditors ......nah, just kidding with you

Its funny, many new divers have a real fear of sharks - and its no wonder - with memories of "Jaws" - "Shark Week" on TV - its a toss up which gets more media coverage - a plane crash, or a shark attack.

But a funny thing happens to many divers - the more you dive, the more you wonder (diving in many areas) "where are the sharks - why don't I see them?" I was diving a few years before I saw my first and after that I was hooked - I want to see them.

2 things I would not worry about - in Utila or 99% of the other places folks dive - sharks and equipment failure - both very rare.

But to give you an answer to your question - although you almost have a better chance of seeing Jesus than being attacked or your eq failing - if I was, I'd get out of the water and take my chances.

 

[diver 85]

"When you are at, say, 60 - 100 feet and an emergency happens ie and aggressive bull shark or two start circling"-- Wait untill this situation arises before getting alarmed.....


"or you have equipment problems and you feel the need get ou tof the water and get out fast"---that's what getting certified is all about ie you'll learn...

 

[HondoDave]

All the replies are great but everyone has seemed to have missed one fact. You have stated that you are not yet a certified diver. So most agencies that I have heard of do not allow you to dive to 100ft under your first certification.

You will need and Advance cert to dive to that deepth. If you are diving Utila, the most popular certifying ageny is PADI. You will not get any love if you try a 100ft dive on a open water cert.

My point is. When you have the advance cert, which you will need to dive to 100+ feet, you will also or should have the skills and knowledge to THINK through most emergencies on a case be case bases.

I too dont live on Utila, But i do live on main land Honduras and have mucho mas dives on Roatan, Guanaja and Cayos Cachinos. Utila is great I have about 6 to 10 dives there, My choice in resorts is Mango Inn.

have fun and dont have a panic attack even before you get to the Islands. If you are taveling with a non diver you might want to go to Roatan instead of Utila

Adios

Dave
Comayagua Sea Stars dive club
Comayagua, Honduras