By Jett Britnell
Not unlike the sport of skydiving or mountain climbing on dangerous peaks, shark diving does have some inherently potential risks. Hence, shark diving without the protection of cages is reserved for divers with advanced levels of scuba certification and experience in order to keep the diver as safe as possible:
Research and study the behavior of the shark species you plan to dive with.
Stay aware of where the bait bucket may be and if a shark happens to chomp down on your camera housing, let them have it and go retrieve it later.
Position yourself upright or vertical in the water column as much as possible in order to show the shark that divers are a foreign object and should not be mistaken for being a marine living species. Ensure there is nothing dangling off your person such loose hoses, lanyards, etc.
Wear black wetsuits and fins, or blue fins, so as not to attract the shark’s attention. Avoid wearing contrasting colors -- high-contrast or brightly colored swimsuits may confuse sharks. Even differing tan lines are thought to lead to mistaken identity bites.
Always allow the shark to have easy access to the bait, as well as an easy escape route.
Never lose sight of the sharks in your immediate vicinity and be sure to do a 360-degree scan of your surroundings to detect any new sharks that may have arrived. Where possible avoid staring directly at the shark and watch it from “the corner of your eyes.”
During any shark encounter, avoid making any erratic or rapid body movements. This often frightens a shark into fleeing, or may even initiate a defensive attack.
If you must surface while a shark is in your immediate vicinity: move slowly and deliberately, never lose sight of the shark. Swim directly to your pre-planned exit site.
Observe the sharks’ behavior. If it appears excited or agitated (pectoral fins held stiffly downward; abrupt change in swimming style) or otherwise begins to swim in an inconsistent manner, leave the water immediately. Also notice the behavior of fish in the immediate area: if they suddenly dive for cover, appear to behave erratically or in an agitated manner, leave the water immediately.
Always trust your instincts - if something just doesn’t “feel” right about the situation, abort the dive and exit the water immediately.
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