Shark diving safety is a top priority for us here at African Shark Eco-Charters. We comply with a strict set of safety rules and regulations set out by SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) as well as all regulations set out by Marine and Coastal Management. African Shark Eco-Charters is an official white shark permit holder. The skipper holds the appropriate skipper’s ticket.
Our cage is designed according to strict guidelines set out by SAMSA, and has been surveyed by a structural engineer. Before embarking on a trip, a safety briefing is conducted. The location of all safety and emergency equipment is pointed out to the guests. A full medical first aid kit is available on board as well. Our crew is trained to handle emergency situations. All crew are first aid trained. We have a dive master on board.
The shark diving safety procedures in place for staff and guests are:
- Listen to the skipper during his safety briefing.
- Take note of where the life jackets and other safety equipment are.
- Only 6 persons allowed on the viewing platform at a time.
- Don’t walk to the bow (front) of the boat when the boat is “running”.
- No smoking on the boat.
- No littering in the ocean.
- No touching or poking the sharks with any objects.
- Do not put your hands or arms outside the shark cage.
- Obey the dive master or crew when in the cage at all times.
- No jumping or diving overboard.
- No interfering with any of the marine/wildlife.
- If you feel you need to be sick, please do not get sick in the cabin, bat rather over the side of the boat.
