Tiger Shark dive rules and regulation | Fuvahmulah

Tiger Shark Point, the dive site, is located beneath one side of the entrance to Fuvahmulah Harbour, Due to the high traffic entrance, shallow Plato (5-7metres), and some slop, divers should use caution to avoid causing acidity if they occasionally ascend and collide with approaching boats.

Descending points may change based on weather conditions, as decided by the dive guide.
Our diving centre has an exclusive time for tigershark diving.
At a dive, we are using one dive boat, which will stay in the dive area until the drive is completed.
It is mandatory to use the same entrance point for both ascending and descending procedures.

DIVE TEAM

Our guides are experienced and qualified PADI dive instructors and divemasters.
The boat captain is the most experienced in Fuvahmulah.
The crew is young and well-trained.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENT

Divers who hold Advance Open Water (AOW) certification. (recommend having 100+ logged dives)
Orientation dives are mandatory for all Advance open Water and advanced divers who have not dived in the past six months.
For beginners who like diving with tiger sharks. That is required to complete an Open Water Diver (OWD)course with us. It takes at least two to three days.

DIVE BRIEFING

Before starting the trip, divers must be briefed by a dive guide about the dive site and procedure, as well as tiger sharks and their behaviours.
The briefing must highlight all relevant safety measures. It is especially important to raise awareness that diving with tiger sharks is a perilous recreational activity.
During the dive preparations, an onboard briefing will be given. Meanwhile, guides inspect all the equipment, including additional safety equipment for all guests.
Divers should be instructed in proper descent procedures and equipment upkeep. Once the captain has neutralised the engine, the dive guides and assistants will enter the
Divers must be instructed to stay away from the boat's propeller near the back. Any time the captain needs to pull back the boat, stay away from the reef.

DRESS CORD

The recommended outfit is a dark-colored neoprene shorty or a full suit. To avoid any bright (yellow, orange, or dazzling) colors.
Diving gloves are optional, during the dive you may need to hold a rock.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Guide will provide a briefing for video and photography.
Cameras must not be operated during descent and ascent.
Flashlights and other external lighting are not permitted.
Exclusive dives for film and photo shoots can be arranged on request. Professional photographers may request a personal assistant for an additional fee.

MAXIMUM DIVERS

We normally dive with less than 15 divers per trip, and we can take up to 20 divers at peak times.
A single dive guide leads up to eight divers with one assistant. More dive guides will be added if there are more divers.
1 dive guide | 1 assistant | 8 divers
1 dive guide | 2 assistant | 16divers
1 dive guide | 3 assistant | 20 divers

DESCENT

Once the boat is positioned, the guide will instruct the assistant to jump into the water.Divers can enter the water following the guide and assistant.
Assistants and dive guides should monitor the surrounding environment while all divers are in the water.
When all divers enter the water, they form a compact group on the surface until the dive guide gives the OK signal to descend.
Divers should avoid spending unnecessary time on the surface.
Divers must descend in a controlled manner and stay close to the group until they reach the spot.
If a diver is unable to equalise, the group should wait until the guide decides on the next course of action.

DIVING

Maximum dive time is 45 minutes.
Dive depth will vary between 5 and 30 meters.
The dive leader will lead the group and decide the best diving plan based on the diver's skill level and the current environmental conditions.
In blue water, the assistant guides will always keep divers together and compact (descent, and ascent) near the reef while providing cover behind the group.
Don't chase or block the shark's swimming circuit.
All divers should maintain a 360-degree view and be constantly aware of Tiger Shark behaviour.
Divers should be calm and control their breathing. Avoid producing too many bubbles or making quick motions.
All divers must check their air gauge and update the guide. If any diver reaches 50 bars, immediately give a signal to the assistant or guide, and the whole group must start ending the dive by staying close together as one group.

SHARKS REDIRECTING

If sharks invade your personal space, exhale bubbles to direct them away.
If the guide notices any changes in the shark's movement and behaviour, such as pectoral fins moving downward or muscle tension, the guide must carefully and calmly move the group from the location.
Divers must avoid all direct contact with tiger sharks, including touching or handling them.
In-case guides will redirect sharks if they approach divers too closely.

ASCENT

When the dive guide gives a signal, divers should follow the guide and move away from Tiger SharkPoint to the entry point.
The entire group should ascent at the same level after the assistant takes off the buoy.
The guide will give the signal "safety stop" to indicate that the dive has finished, immediately entire group shall ascend at a speed of 9 m per minute until they reach 5 m depth for a safety stop.
At the safety halt, the group should stay together for 3 minutes. Divers should stay close to the reef and avoid blue water.
The guide will signal UP, and the group will ascend to the surface.
When diver reach the surface, they must inflate their BCD, keep their masks on, and remain together as a group while waiting for a diving boat.

BACK ON THE BOAT

Divers must stay away from the boat's propeller near the back.
Divers board first, one by one using the ladder, while dive guides and assistants remain in the water to monitor the area.
Boat crew assists divers to get on the boat
Captain will monitor the surroundings.
The guide will signal UP, and the group will ascend to the surface.
The diving team must make sure that everyone is on board before leaving.

TIGER SHARK POINT (DIVE SITE) DIVING RULES AND REGULATION