Shark Safety Advisors Suggested Government Regulations for Shark Tours

**Shark Diving Safety Advisory Committee  

Recommended Minimum Standards for Commercial Shark Diving Operations**

Based on industry expertise and safety records, the Committee advocates for the following mandatory requirements:

**I. GUIDE QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING**  

1.  **Certification:** Valid Dive Master certification, CPR, First Aid, and Trauma Training.  

2.  **Supervised Experience:** Minimum 1,000 hours of *in-water training* under direct supervision of a:  

    *   Full-time, experienced Shark Safety Specialist Dive Master.  

    *   Guide with a documented perfect safety record.  

3.  **Specialized Skills:** Training must include:  

    *   Shark behavior interpretation.  

    *   Safe guest interaction protocols.  

    *   **Physical Shark Redirection:** Proven techniques for deterring and redirecting large species (Sandbar, Galapagos, Tiger sharks).  

**II. OPERATIONAL SAFETY PROTOCOLS**  

4.  **Pre-Dive Briefing:** Mandatory client education covering:  

    *   Behavior modification (no splashing, sudden movements, bright colors).  

    *   Staying close to the boat/buddy, within the group.  

    *   Constant vigilance (eyes in water).  

    *   Covered dark fins, hands close to body.  

5.  **In-Water Management:**  

    *   **Group Control:** Use of flotation aids/rope lines to keep clients together and minimize splashing.  

    *   **Proximity:** Clients must remain immediately adjacent to the vessel for rapid exit.  

    *   **Ratios:** Maximum client-to-safety-diver ratio of 6:1.  

6.  **Drills & Planning:**  

    *   Quarterly documented safety drills.  

    *   **Emergency Action Plan (EAP):** Submitted to DLNR detailing:  

        *   Guide training/certifications.  

        *   Operational procedures.  

        *   Client-to-guide ratios.  

**III. VESSEL & EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS**  

7.  **Vessel Design:**  

    *   **Dedicated Use:** Prohibition on mixed shark-tour/fishing operations.  

    *   **Rapid Egress:** Easily accessible dive ladder for immediate exit.  

8.  **Safety Equipment:**  

    *   Tourniquets and Trauma Kits readily accessible *at the dive ladder*.  

**IV. FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES**  

*   Training must be rooted in extensive, demonstrable field experience with predatory sharks.  

*   Operations must prioritize minimal environmental impact and respect for wildlife/native culture.  

*   "Perfect Safety Record" is the benchmark for trainer qualification.

Rationale for Adoption:  

These standards, derived from proven safety records and decades of specialized experience, establish a critical baseline for protecting clients, guides, and sharks. They address key risk factors through rigorous training, controlled operations, and emergency preparedness. Implementing these requirements will significantly enhance safety across the commercial shark diving industry.