shark shields
Submitted by petermac on Sun, 2013-11-24 23:07
i have never used a shark shield but two of my mates that i have done hundreds of dives with have started using them of my mates says "well i don't if it works
haven't been harassed yet" the other mate says he isn't sure they work but his zapps him every 2 minutes when he is using it
Jayden20
Posts: 672
Date Joined: 29/08/11
mine doesnt work on
mine doesnt work on hammerheads :/
Rig
Posts: 2925
Date Joined: 27/12/06
shield
I am also looking at getting one as I am thinking of getting back into diving, keen to hear people thoughts
JimmyG
Posts: 74
Date Joined: 31/03/13
I've used one for years now
I've used one for years now and they certainly have pro's and cons.
Some people reckon they attract sharks, so wont go near them, while others wont get in the water without one....whatever you're comfortable with I guess.
When cray diving I don't turn mine on any more...been zapped too many times!! But when doing my safety stop I may turn it on if I remember.
When spearing I will generally turn it on, as the tail floats behind you and you don't get zapped.
The way I see it is the shark shield wont stop a big white or tiger if its in kill mode, but may deter a curious shark from having a taste.
hezzy
Posts: 1519
Date Joined: 27/11/09
[The way I see it is the
[The way I see it is the shark shield wont stop a big white or tiger if its in kill mode, but may deter a curious shark from having a taste.]
id say that above about sums it up
elctric fences wont stop big angry steers/bulls if there cranked up , shark shields are in the same bracket imo
remember humans are mammals , we are their food when we enter the water
we even look like their no 1 food of choice seals when we are in a wetty
to them from deeper down underneath us ,our silhoutte is pretty much the same id think
these creatures have evolved over eons ,
they dont attack us by chance,
hezzy
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Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
be interesting to know if
be interesting to know if there are any upto date stats on sharks and shark shields.
I think i remember from last time, only one person had ever been bitten whilst wearing a shark shield.
Be interesting to hear from anyone who has worn one and come close to a shark
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
theres a few little videos
theres a few little videos like this getting about too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHkz12pYxNo
catch.fish
Posts: 150
Date Joined: 12/10/11
Terra Australis
Terra Australis have done some interesting tests with shark shields / ESDS, worth a watch! I think there actually in the process of testing the shields with some big tigers / great whites at the moment, so that should be interesting!
With Shark Shield - https://vimeo.com/51340293
With ESDS - https://vimeo.com/51332864
With No Shields - https://vimeo.com/51676267
As mentioned above they clearly have an effect on sharks but are far from full proof. If a big shark decides it's going into full attack mode the shield is going to do very little to stop it. On the other hand the effect it has might just be the differance between a curious shark keeping its distance or coming in for an exploratory bite.
tailor marc
Posts: 2979
Date Joined: 27/09/06
This test looks good while
This test looks good while the GW is in attack mode...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNCedUi_jPg
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derko5000
Posts: 125
Date Joined: 12/01/13
cheers for that, rather
cheers for that, rather interesting, trying to make up my mind weather to buy one or not
Walfootrot
Posts: 1386
Date Joined: 23/07/12
My mates that meet Mr GW last
My mates that meet Mr GW last week, 1 had a shark shield, 1 did'nt, the shark went around the guy with the shield and tryed to get the other bloke.
If both were using shield, would the shark still have had a go at one of them? dont know.
I have only used a shield once and it booted the crap out of me, and have'nt used one since.... but may start too.
Still think we need a cull, what good comes from protecting them? all thats happened is more people being taken.
More drum lines, kill the bloody sharks!
fishy fingers
Posts: 1719
Date Joined: 28/04/07
some are missing the point
the shark shield is designed to deter the shark includung great whites long before they get to being in "FULL ATTACK MODE" by keeping them at a distance, they would have been checking out theyre kill long before they make the attack run, you only need to watch any wildlife video on whites to see they will usually circle potential prey ie: divers, surfers etc before bitting, by keeping them at a safe distance of 6 or 7 metres the shark shield tells them it's not normal so hopefully they piss off! if you only switch it on when you see one or are coming uo for your safety stop then it's probbaly to late and he already has you on his menu.
Paul G
Posts: 5215
Date Joined: 12/12/07
Jesse and I both have
Jesse and I both have freedom 7 shark shields and don't go in the water without them on. I have dived with upto 5 bronzies at a time at the Abrolhos some 6-8 foot long.We have not yet had one come in close even when spearing fish they keep there distance ,maybe it' s the shark shield ,maybe they are not hungry. We have seen the effect on carpet sharks up close ,they get a real boot off them they go into muscle spasms,gray nurse also turn away .I feel safer wearing a shield and I guess that is what is important. I could not imagine the horror off seeing jesse or he seening me taken or biten by a shark not something we think about .But we both know the risks,We also know human error or gear failure are probablely more likely .As for getting zapped if you cable tie the tail to your flipper it keeps it from coming back on you ,you do get a boot every now and then but it lets you know its working.I will do some test with sharks and fish baits when at the islands and film them and post up my findings. Would it stop a gw or other sharks in attack mode, I pray we never find out.
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crasny1
Posts: 6986
Date Joined: 16/10/08
sensible words and advise Paul
I truely miss my diving, but I think that after my GW encounter windsurfing shark shield or not I just cant get myself back into it. Way to frightening with kids etc as responsibilities, and now grandies.
I also pray you never find out.
Looking forward to your "self" research. Just dont push it to far??
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Toby Roe
Posts: 118
Date Joined: 01/02/10
Work safe SA commissioned a
Work safe SA commissioned a report on the effectiveness of the shark shield and this was published in 2012. For this they tested the device on both tuna baits in one spot and mock seals towed behind the boat. The full report can be found here http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/173876/Risk_Assessment_of_the_Shark_Shield_Report_-_FINAL_19_06_2012.pdf
The report showed that although the shark shield did not stop the great white in all occasions it did increase the time it took for the shark to take the tuna as well as the stand-off distance of the shark during that delay. The study also showed that there were less interactions by sharks during the tow. Also, the research showed that the SS had no effect in attracting sharks to the area which is good for those who are concerned about this.
I wear a SS because I consider it to be like a seat belt. It is not going to save your life in all situations but with proper precautions (e.g. driving within the speed limit, not diving in a seal colony) then it may just increase my chances of survival. Personally I would be glad for the extra 2 or so minutes between the shark approaching and it deciding to attack as it may just mean I get to see it and can put my speargun up as a buffer.
By the way I am not affiliated with shark shield or the SA government in any way
Buz
Posts: 1555
Date Joined: 28/08/07
I wear a SS when rec diving
I wear a SS when rec diving and also have to use one for work when on dive expeditions and am happy to do so. I havent really copped much zaps from them, usually only the few times I am laying on the bottom or in a cave. It suprises you more than it hurts for me anyway.
The day someone who is wearing one(in the correct way, and is turned on) gets attacked/taken by a GW or other large shark is the day I will discount them as being effective.
But for now i am happy to keep using them as they arent that expensive when you consider the cost of a full Scuba setup, they dont bother me at all when diving(though are a bit annoying tailing you on the deck), and it may save my life one day(which if it does I will probably wont know).
Subaquatic
Posts: 515
Date Joined: 23/04/11
Peter Clarkson, who was an
Peter Clarkson, who was an ambassador for Shark Shield, was taken in 2011. Shark Shield (the company) no longer publish, or recognize any of the work Peter did for them prior to 2011.
quote:
HOWARD Rodd (his buddy) said Peter Clarkson was definitely wearing a shark shield the day he was attacked by sharks near Perforated Island.
Mr Rodd said Mr Clarkson had attached his shark shield device around his waist before he entered the water at The Lumps at about 3pm on the day he was attacked.
"He had the shark shield and it was the same procedure as we always have," he said.
"Peter never dove without a shark shield, even if it was in five foot of water it was with him."
Buz
Posts: 1555
Date Joined: 28/08/07
Do you know if it was turned
Do you know if it was turned on?, it doesn't say if it was turned on or not?
Just the Female who was attacked down near Garden island area?, Elyse Frankcom, if I recall correctly she was wearing a Shark Shield but didn't have it turned on. But after she was bitten did turn it on. Don't know if this had any bearing on the shark not continuing its attack or not?
You Quote: "Mr Rodd said Mr Clarkson had attached his shark shield device around his waist "
Don't know of a Shark Shield that attaches to the waist? Unless he was doing what I see a lot of divers do and that is have it attached to their ankle but tuck it up through their waist strap to keep it out of the way(turned off of course) and take it out only for the accent/safety stop.
In which case then it wasn't used in the correct way.
Any more info about this?
fishy fingers
Posts: 1719
Date Joined: 28/04/07
coroners report
the coroners report on this one casts doubt on whether he was actualy killed by a ahark and no one was sure if he was wearing a shark shield at the time theres even doubt that he was diving that day as another fisherman said he saw him shelling not diving plus apparently they found his blood all over the deck that had been attempted to clean and no you dont wear shark shields round the waist, all a bit fishy to me.
Also if I remember correctly is this the one where he attcched the antennae to a float so when he was on the surface the antennae would be out of the water therefore rendering it useless, I know this was the case in one instance
sarcasm0
Posts: 1396
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Coronial report
http://www.courts.sa.gov.au/CoronersFindings/Lists/Coroners%20Findings/Attachments/555/CLARKSON%20Peter%20Stephen.pdf
Subaquatic
Posts: 515
Date Joined: 23/04/11
Coroners Report
The coroners report concluded that Mr Clarkson was taken by a shark.
The Coroner, AND the investigating detective both ruled that the blood in the wheelhouse was not suspicious.
The coroner found NO evidence that he was not diving that day.
Ab Divers often wear Shark Shields on the waist, with floats on the snake, so that whilst on the bottom, the snake is not dragging in the reef, but more effectively, hovering above the diver. This is the opposite of "rendering it useless". On the surface, the snake is NOT out of the water, its floating just below.
Paul H
Posts: 2104
Date Joined: 18/01/07
Agree with Subaquatic - there
Agree with Subaquatic - there was a lot of speculation published around this incident from persons allegedly with their own agenda (was also an article in the Adelaide Advertiser on that very subject). Would rather reply on info in a Corners report than that published by the media who are more interested in selling papers.
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Buz
Posts: 1555
Date Joined: 28/08/07
Seems they they concluded
Seems they they concluded that they didn't know if the Shark Sjield was turned on or off though
From the Coronial report:
"2.6. Mr Clarkson always wore a Shark Shield which he attached to his belt. It is a battery operated device which can be switched on and off and is designed to repel any sharks as they approach. Mr Rodd said that sometimes Mr Clarkson would turn the Shark Shield off when he was on the bottom but most of the time he would switch it on when he entered the water and then switch it off again when he got to the surface.
Mr Rodd did not know whether Mr Clarkson had the Shark Shield turned on at the time of the incident that occurred on 17 February 2011."
So guess it doesn't prove that the shark shield didn't work as they don't know if it was turned on or off.
So again until there is undisputed proof of someone correctly wearing one, and it turned on is taken by a shark I will continue to wear the pesky little zapping leg ropes :-)
Well to tell the truth even if someone is taken while wearing one I will probably still use it as even if it only works sometimes its better than none at all.
Rig
Posts: 2925
Date Joined: 27/12/06
+1
Subaquatic
Posts: 515
Date Joined: 23/04/11
Spot on. Coroners (and
Spot on. Coroners (and Magistrates, Judges, Jury's etc), can only rule on factual evidence. Unless someone has conclusive proof that it was turned on, it is an unknown factor, and cannot be submitted as evidence.
I would guess that unless the sharkshield is recovered, any shark attack with a diver wearing one, will be ruled as unknown.
psion
Posts: 424
Date Joined: 15/05/12
I might just get one for my Jetski
I might just get one for my Jetski, can't hurt
Paul H
Posts: 2104
Date Joined: 18/01/07
I think the question that you
I think the question that you need to ask is if your on the bottom at 25m and see a great white and need to do a deco stop on the way up is, would you rather have a shark sheild or not have one??
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Walfootrot
Posts: 1386
Date Joined: 23/07/12
Know they cost a bit, but
Know they cost a bit, but have one attached to your deco line at 5m, would stop one hanging around your boat??
More drum lines, kill the bloody sharks!
petermac
Posts: 2946
Date Joined: 03/03/10
you got it
I think you summed it up well , maybe they do work, maybe they don't think I would want one on a deco stop might just make you feel better too
Paul G
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Date Joined: 12/12/07
Who would be doing a deco
Who would be doing a deco stop .not meeeeeeee
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Paul H
Posts: 2104
Date Joined: 18/01/07
Agreed Paul. but what goes
Agreed Paul.
but what goes down must come up - deco stop or no deco stop I'd prefer to have one on the way up regardless
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little johnny
Posts: 5332
Date Joined: 04/12/11
i wont dive
without one, gives you some peice of mind, do they work? UNSURE I HOPE THEY DO..
.if they dont have great fun zapping dive buddies .
Walfootrot
Posts: 1386
Date Joined: 23/07/12
Plick lol, I get a real buzz
Plick lol, I get a real buzz diving with you.
More drum lines, kill the bloody sharks!
seadog-1967
Posts: 50
Date Joined: 06/03/12
shark shields
imagine trying to stop an exorset missile doing 50kph while your doing your five at five emitting an electric pulse that sends a cold shiver up his back because he,s just about to have an easy dinner and you helped,dos,nt make sense to me don't worry you wont see it coming not like being trapped in a car on a bushtrack in the middle of nowhere enjoy your life while you have it, by doing what you enjoy,plenty of other stuff to worry about,cheers.
zain
Posts: 48
Date Joined: 26/01/10
Have one at the end of your
Have one at the end of your line when jigging for sambos and then see if it will still hit the sambo when hooked. ahah...
pale ale
Posts: 1755
Date Joined: 02/01/10
A friend is sure it works
A friend is sure it works when spearing fish off Dampier. He reckons it paid for itself after a few trips as he finally got to keep some of the trout he speared.
Doooma
Posts: 791
Date Joined: 05/12/09
It's like a condom...I'd
It's like a condom...
I'd rather have one and not need it, than need it and not have one!!!
crasny1
Posts: 6986
Date Joined: 16/10/08
- well said
"I would like to die on Mars. Just not on impact!!" _ Elon Musk