PADI Shark Diver?

Someone just turned up with a PADI cert card for "Shark Diver". Anyone heard of it?

No but in Yap they have a distinctive specialty on Manta Rays so it's not to hard to imagine somebody offering one on sharks.

Yes. I think its offered somewhere in the Caymans.

I think to get it you must walk into a PADI shop open your wallet and then walk out without spending any of the cash in it.

Cheers
Jim
PADI Inst #91611

LOL!

I think to get it you must walk into a PADI shop open your wallet and then walk out without spending any of the cash in it.

Cheers
Jim
PADI Inst #91611

Not possible - not permitted. Against Standards.

So Peter all the specialty cards I've ever seen state the dive shop where it was awarded at(as do PADI cert cards). So do you know where it was awarded at???

Actually yes, somewhere in the Pacific tho' I don't remember where. And it was indeed a "distinctive specialty" created by that dive center/ instructor. I'll have to find out what had to be done to earn the card.

I know someone who got a Shark card in Hawaii, I think. Florida also offers a manatee specialty, and I think Anthony's Key Resort in Roatan offers a dolphin specialty, so I guess why not? Maybe we need to offer a Grunt Sculpin specialty, for the PNW folks...

It may be offered at Sams Tours in Palau. I know they have a Blue Corner Specialty card.

Cheers Jim

The shark diving specialty cards came out around the same time as the shark feeds were generating a lot of interest. The first time I heard of the specialty it was either at UNEXSO in Freeport or at Stuart Cove's in Nassau. I distinctly remember laughing about it because I don't really think that kneeling on the bottom with your hands under your armpits while Carribbean reef sharks and maybe a bull or two swim around you taking bait from a shark wrangler entitles you to be an ichthyologist (Dr. Bill can correct me if I'm wrong here). Now, if it were a specialty for dive pros that have been taught how to safely conduct a shark feed then that might be something slightly valid to credential, right? I mean like, "Yes, I've taken the training & I know that I should wear a chainmail suit or gloves at least & make sure the patrons stay on the bottom and keep their hands inside their armpits at all times & they must be this tall to ride this ride. Do I get the job now?" That would make some sort of sense, right?

Okay, before I post more, I can't help it. I'm going to actually give PADI the benefit of the doubt & read up on this specialty... Oh, by the way, I know the instructor who created the manatee specialty. I rolled my eyes when she told me she got the idea for it from the shark diver specialty.

Alrighty then... "The purpose of the PADI Shark Awareness Diver Specialty Course is to introduce divers and snorkelers to the sharks and familiarize divers with the proper techniques for recreational diving while encountering sharks with minimal impact on the sharks’ habitat and behavior. You'll learn about Shark biology, behaviour and distribution. The course will also overview shark research and conservation status worldwide. You'll learn to plan, organize and execute a dive with sharks, in a safe and passive manner."

The shark awareness specialty... don't let this happen to you:

Þ8 II<=^==(

(Top view of diver in doubles about to be attacked from behind by a hammerhead shark!)

I thought cheesy keyboard art probably wouldn't get this post pulled like posting a graphic photo of a dead diver, his wetsuit shredded, thoracic cavity laid bare exposing ribs and internal organs, and his severed arm exposing jagged bones would. Am I right, mods? Cuz... if I can... I will!

Trace

Edited by TraceMalin, 11 October 2005 - 01:33 AM.

Alrighty then... "The purpose of the PADI Shark Awareness Diver Specialty Course is to introduce divers and snorkelers to the sharks and familiarize divers with the proper techniques for recreational diving while encountering sharks with minimal impact on the sharks’ habitat and behavior.

Hmm. Okay: here's my interpretation:

"Shark? Meet Diver. Diver? Meet Shark. Now, you kids play nice, okay?"

Another PADI "specialty" that I personally won't be paying for!

Cheers!

Jim

Hmm.  Okay: here's my interpretation:

"Shark?  Meet Diver.  Diver?  Meet Shark.  Now, you kids play nice, okay?"

Another PADI "specialty" that I personally won't be paying for! 

Cheers!

Jim

Here is my interpretation!



Gotta love it!

Trace

I know someone who got a Shark card in Hawaii, I think.  Florida also offers a manatee specialty, and I think Anthony's Key Resort in Roatan offers a dolphin specialty, so I guess why not?  Maybe we need to offer a Grunt Sculpin specialty, for the PNW folks...

I do believe we can get a pnw fish ID specialty cert from padi.. Check with Dive_Girl. The Cert was created by one of her good friends..

Trace ~ I think your going to be in trouble for that one.

Edited by gis_gal, 13 October 2005 - 10:17 PM.

I want the carp diving card. There are a lot of things you should learn before diving in a lake with carp.

Lesson 1 - Carp will instinctively attack flashy, shiny objects.
Lesson 2 - Earrings are flashy, shiny objects.
Lesson 3 - Carp will tear your ear UP and IT HURTS!!
Lesson 4 - It's almost impossible to shoo away an attacking carp.
Lesson 5 - If you have over a dozen earrings - wear a hood!