So is there a reason to be anxious

[esbuff]

So we are going out this weekend to finish out certification with open water dives 3/4. I heard from some other divers that have been in the water at the same dive location about seeing a 7 foot bull shark on two separate occasions over the last 3-4 weeks. They stated that he is very curious and likes to come by the divers at arms length away.

So from what I have heard and read sharks can be much like bees......interested in what you are doing, but really have no other interest in you unless provoked.

What do you think? I am not afraid of going on the trip, getting in the water,nor am I afraid of sharks, but let's face it there is often a fear of the unknown. Especially when these beautiful intriguing animals are portrayed often in such a negative light.

What do you guys recommend on how to deal with this type of situation? What have your experiences been? I cannot wait to get back in the water and finish the certification. I also imaging that seeing a shark in the water for the first time is something that one never forgets

 

[BVickery]

As for the bull shark, the thing that should be of note what was were the divers doing? I know around here they, and tiger's, get a bit more aggressive when the divers have been spearfishing (huge over here in NE FL).

I wouldn't be to worried and just ask the Instructor/DM what you should do if the shark does get overly aggressive.

 

[cocoajoe]

Bulls are NOT (like most sharks) choosy about what's on the menu. Just sayin'

 

[Some X Dry]

Believe BV has hit on something with his reference to spearfishing and sharks getting more aggressive. First experiences with sharks was off Jupiter, FL. We were diving off a charter filled with spear fisherman. Being last in the water and following the group of fisherman down drift current at 60ft, myself and the two other divers with me were soon joined by a number of sharks. Bulls and Reefs. I got the impression that the sharks did in fact associate divers with food. However they did appear to pay more attention to those carrying the spear guns than us. When swimming around us they did so leisurely compared to their posturing when swimming ahead and around the group carrying guns. However, once the first fish was speared all bets were off. All the sharks were then flexed and darting about.

I would ask if any spearfishing is known to take place in the area of the proposed class dives and take note. Stay off the bottom and out of the sand. Keep with in the group and relax.

Wasn't the first shark I wont forget as much as the one MUCH BIGGER than me!

 

[philmayer]

Sharks! Where? I wanna go!

Seriously though, sharks can be dangerous. So is the drive to the dive site, your neighbor's dog, vending machines..............

 

[Doc Harry]

Sharks should be the least of your worries. YOU are much, much more likely to kill yourself than a shark. Errors, lack of concentration and panic are your real enemies. Not sharks.

 

[mwalsh787]

I will echo what others have said so far...sharks are not as much of a concern as lack of concentration and lack of preparation. Generally, in my experience, "the men in the grey suits" as they are sometimes known, are fairly shy and disappear fairly quickly when gangly, noisy humans wearing funny suits come by. That said, sharks can be curious, especially if divers have fed them in the past and/or if spearfishers have left tasty morsels in previous dives. That is enough to get any shark curious about more divers (think college students and possible free food). Bull sharks are some of the biggest free-food lovers out there. Try not to have a dead or dying fish in your posession and you will likely not be a focal point for the resident grub-hound

Seriously, these are beautiful and fascinating animals to watch, if they show up. Enjoy the dive and happy watching!

Mike

 

[TMHeimer]

My shark experience over 242 dives: none. Re: "Sharks should be the least of your worries": disagree, unless you are slack in other safety situations. Re: "Your neighbour's dog and vending machines more dangerous": doubt it seriously. Re: "Bulls are different": confirmed by the Discovery Network--worse to encounter than Great Whites, according to them. As I have said often, I don't fear diving because of them, but hope I never see one except on T.V. They can kill you (don't want to get into statistics and what's more common to die from). If the vending machine is about to fall on you you can move-situation over. If the plane goes down, you die. If the shark wants you, likewise. If they weren't so important to the food chain and weren't in so much trouble due to humans, I wish they would all dissappear.

 

[DevonDiver]

Have dived with various species of sharks, including Bulls, on many occasions. Never had a problem.

I'd say that the risk of an attack was extremely minimal, unless engaged in hunting/spear-fishing.

Where attacks have happened on 'regular' divers, it tends to be at the surface (pre/post-dive) rather than when submerged.

If there is a lot of big shark activity, then you may want to plan your dive to stay on the bottom and, at the end of the dive, consider not including safety stops and ensuring that you surface close the dive boat for a very prompt pick-up. That is the standard procedure for many divers in South Africa (Protea Banks/Aliwal Shoal), where big sharks (Great White, Bull, Tiger, Bronze Whaler etc) are often present on dive sites.