PART  5.  GUIDING  WS  EXCURSIONS  

© Alejandro Remolina Suarez

5.1  Guest  Briefing  Ac?vity  

A good guest briefing provides guests with vital information and can create a healthy attitude onboard

What information do you think should be included in a guest briefing?

© MWSRP

5.2  Guest  Briefing  Content  Top tips:

Be enthusiastic and professional

Use non-verbal communication

Keep it short 10-15mins max

Use a briefing pack

© MWSRP

5.2  Guest  Briefing  Content  A good brief should include:

Welcome and introductions

Timings and destination

An introduction to the whale shark

Encounter procedure

Code of conduct

Invitation for questions

© Ecocolors

5.3  WS  Encounter  Code  of  Conduct  

Encounter rules differ around the world

Both in content and in how they are enforced

5.4  WS  Encounter  Code  of  conduct  

20 metres  No  

vessel  zone    

Vessels must:

Keep their distance

No closer than 20 metres

The following rules are found in most countries and are based on research and common sense

5.4  WS  Encounter  Code  of  conduct  

10  kts  

2  

kts  

Within  1km  

Within  50m  

20 metres  No  

vessel  zone    

Vessels must:

Reduce their speed

Max 10kts and

2kts within 50metres of the shark

5.4  WS  Encounter  Code  of  conduct  

100  metres  

10  kts  

2  

kts  

Within  1km  

Within  50m  

20 metres  No  

vessel  zone    

Vessels must:

Keep to one vessel per shark

Other vessels must keep their distance

5.4  WS  Encounter  Code  of  Conduct  

3 metres

2 metres

Snorkelers must:

Keep their distance (2m head - 3m tail)

and

Must not obstruct the shark

5.4  WS  Encounter  Code  of  Conduct  

3 metres

2 metres

Snorkelers must:

Not touch the whale shark

5.4  WS  Encounter  Code  of  Conduct  

Snorkelers must:

Not use camera flash

3 metres

2 metres

5.4  WS  Encounter  Code  of  Conduct  

4 metres

3 metres

Snorkelers must:

Not use scuba scooters

5.5  Guidelines  and  Tips  for  a  Longer  WS  Encounter  

The following tips and guidelines can help reduce impact and lengthen a whale shark encounter:

© Scubasigns

5.5  Guidelines  and  Tips  for  a  Longer  WS  Encounter  

Vessel Operator

Drop-off guests ahead of shark’s direction of travel

Limit the number of people in the water (max 12 people)

Pick up guests left behind and drop them back off ahead of the shark

© James Hancock

5.5  Guidelines  and  Tips  for  a  Longer  WS  Encounter  

Vessel Operator

Observe a maximum encounter time allowing other vessels access

Provide buoyancy aids

Fit a propeller cover

Apply for a whale shark tour operator’s license

© Ecocolors

5.5  Guidelines  and  Tips  for  a  Longer  WS  Encounter  

Snorkelers

Enter the water as quietly as possible

Look for directions from the boat crew or their guide

Look ahead as they approach the shark

Swim alongside the whale shark behind the pectoral fins

© MWSRP

5.5  Guidelines  and  Tips  for  a  Longer  WS  Encounter  

Snorkelers

Avoid duck-diving and do not swim underneath the whale shark

Avoid making loud noises, sharp movements and splashing

If the shark approaches remain calm and swim to the side

© Ecocolors

5.5  Guidelines  and  Tips  for  a  Longer  WS  Encounter  

Snorkelers

Be aware of other guests

Wear a buoyancy aid

Remember no one can guarantee an encounter

Only use biodegradable sunscreen © Alejandro Remolina Suarez

5.6  Difficult  Customers  

Being in the water can make people unpredictable

Give instructions clearly and regularly

Use a longer encounter as an incentive to stick to rules

Decide on clear policies for dealing with difficult customers

Policies should be made standard among tour operators and displayed clearly