Dive News Network

Dive with Confidence with Shark Shield

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Ask any diver the most important aspect of diving and he or she will almost immediately respond with proper safety. Gear checks, hand signals, and other procedures ensure the necessary quality and safety to enjoy a great experience. But sometimes these tried-and-true abilities simply aren't enough; sometimes nature intervenes. Dangerous wildlife can be a constant threat to those who hear the call of the great blue sea, and lacking the right equipment can often trigger disaster.

While opinions are varied on the danger of sharks, it cannot be denied that the intimidating creatures instill a sense of fear and dread in even the most adept underwater adventurer. Throughout the history of diving, certain measures have been taken to prevent shark-related injuries and fatalities - many of which have resulted in the wholesale culling of these imposing animals.

Australian company Shark Shield Pty Ltd has met the demands of divers and the survival of sharks by producing electrifying pieces of equipment: the SURF7 for surfers; the DIVE7 for divers; and the FREEDOM7 for all types of water-related activities. Invented by the South African Government, through the Natal Shark Board, these products are used by the Australian Elite Military, the South African Navy, the US Coast Guard, oceanographers, and ocean enthusiasts of all sorts.

Fastened to the backside of a diver's boot, the devices broadcast an electronic repelling pulse in a radius about 3 - 5 meters (roughly 9 to 16 feet). Looking somewhat like metallic whips, they effectively scramble a shark's natural "receptors" found in its snout, thus confusing the animal and repelling it from the area - they were designed specifically with predatory types of sharks such as great whites, makos, and tigers in mind. Absolute caution should be employed before a dive, however, as the products may give a slight shock to anything they touch - diver, fish, or otherwise.

For more information on these products, and to order yours today, be sure to visit www.sharkshield.com.