By Courtney Cooper
How Shark Tours are Conducted Safely and Responsibly
Conducting shark tours safely and responsibly requires meticulous planning, adherence to best practices, and a strong commitment to conservation. In this article we discuss how shark tours are conducted safely and responsibly.
Apex Shark Expeditions provides the best cage shark diving Cape Town, as well as, gansbaai shark diving.
Pre-Dive Briefing
Before any dive takes place, Apex Shark Expeditions conducts a comprehensive briefing for all participants. This session covers crucial information about shark behaviour, safety protocols, and the diving process. Divers learn how to enter and exit the cage safely, communication, and interact responsibly with sharks. Emphasis is placed on listening to the crew which is essential for increased shark sightings.
Comprehensive Training for Crew Members
The crew at Apex Shark Expeditions are certified tour guides who undergo rigorous monthly safety drills and receive training in first aid, firefighting, and shark behaviour. Their knowledge of the different shark species encountered during tours, allows the crew to anticipate and interpret species-specific actions. Regular training sessions keep the team updated on the latest safety protocols and best practices for interacting with marine life.
Safety Equipment
Safety is paramount in shark cage diving. Apex Shark Expeditions provides high-quality gear, including wetsuits, mask, and snorkels. The cages are inspected for integrity and functionality before each dive. Apex Shark Expeditions promises that every one of their guests will get a dry, disinfected, and clean wetsuit. No more than one guest per day is allowed to make use of any of the spotless diving gear. The cages are designed with safety in mind, featuring secure entry points.
Boat safety gear includes life vests, a first aid pack, a radio, and mobile phones.
Best Quality and Compliant Shark Cage
Built from galvanized steel and approved by a registered engineer, the shark cage from Apex Shark Expeditions is built to last and provides exceptional safety. A code of conduct and rules established by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) ensures that the South African cage-diving sector complies with all relevant regulations. The professional personnel at Apex Shark Expeditions ensures that divers are well-cared for during the experience, and the equipment they use surpasses all safety criteria.
The shark cage is designed to float with a freeboard of approximately 30 cm (about one foot) and is securely attached to the boat with two thick ropes to prevent drifting. Equipped with independent flotation devices, the cage remains buoyant. It features smooth edges to ensure sharks cannot injure themselves if they accidentally touch it. As a surface cage—not submersible—our crew is always close by to assist guests. Divers can exit at any time, as their heads remain less than half a meter below the surface, allowing them to choose their underwater duration. Specially designed doors provide easy access, making entry as simple as stepping off the boat. The cage also accommodates a GoPro camera and includes steel hand and foot bars for stability while filming.
Shark cage diving is open to anyone, regardless of diving experience. Since visibility isn’t always great and shark encounters usually only endure a few seconds at a time, the breath-hold technique is adopted. The expert staff at Apex Shark Expeditions are there to help you make the most of your shark viewing time. Guests are advised to mention their special requests when making their bookings, as a hookah scuba system is available upon request.
We also share insight into how shark cage diving boosts local tourism.
