Shearwater vs Dolphin Dream

No not directed at you Adam, but at the thread in general (and to be honest what feels like many other examples lately). There are always two sides to a story and its important to hear both. If one view is steam rollered off the boards then all that ultimately happens is that Wetpixel as a whole becomes a poorer less productive and less fun place to be. As someone who has got enormous benefit from Wetpixel over the years I don't want to see that happen.

Cheers, Simon

I really have not had experience on the Dolphin Dream, only one anecdotal report from one diver friend years ago.

I really think it's important though to be both fair and logical when evaluating both operations, and hope at some point someone who has done both will give a fair assessment.

I think there are some things that apply to safety no matter which boat. There is crew training and safety, and then policies and protocols that are applied to the divers when they are in the water. Having experienced Jim's 'wrath and sarcasm' I can only say that it was directed at my poor or inadequate compliance with his policies and procedures in the water. Having read many of the critiques of Jim, they always seem to begin and end with this aspect of dealing with Jim. His primary concern is diver safety, and I hope DD follows similar protocols. It's important to put Jim's bite in perspective. Jim was doing something that only he or his trained crew are routinely allowed to do. Personally I think they should wear chain mail at least on their arms when handling bait in the water, because in reality there is no way to be 'safe' up close with bait.

Having said all that, once any diver is in the water, particularly as they get further from the boat and crew's ability to protect or intervene, it's obviously every individual has to be responsible for himself as it is every time we get in the water, sharks or no sharks, safety policies or not. The previous unfortunate incident on the Shearwater was clearly in that category.

Hi Stew,

 

Until the facts emerge about this unfortunate incident I think we are best leaving conjecture and opinion out of any debate. To ask anyone to comment on any issues it might raise publicly at the moment is both unrealistic and unfair.

 

For the moment, let's just wish Jim a speedy recovery and wait until we have the facts.

 

Adam

Um the facts are already out Adam, Jim was bit by a shark in the Bahamas, and was airlifted to Florida and has under gone emergency operations. This isn't conjecture, this is a fact.

Stew

Stew,

I didn't think this needed pointing out but:

Well Drew it appears that the safety of the ShearWater should be brought into question

Is conjecture until we find out the circumstances in which this event occurred.

Adam

Jim was bit by a shark while feeding the sharks he loves....12 years of feeding sharks and only one bite and now all this fuss. If anyone has ever seen Jim in action you would be amazed that he still has both arms....he's good at what he does and no customers were in danger because he does not allow them to get close to him while feeding.

I've been on the Shearwater and the Dolphin Dream and can say the big difference is Jim feeds the sharks and therefore you have a better chance of seeing tons of sharks while the DD baits the sharks but does feed them by hand (at least not that I saw) and therefore you'll see fewer sharks...it's that simple!

Both operations are very concerned with the safety of the divers as they should or they would jeopardize their business and the future of sharks in general.

Accidents happen so chill out and go diving!

Mike

Stew,

 

I didn't think this needed pointing out but:

 

 

 

Is conjecture until we find out the circumstances in which this event occurred.

 

Adam

Adam I am not going to argue with you, but this is what I wrote, so please do not only quote a section of what I wrote.

" Well Drew it appears that the safety of the ShearWater should be brought into question. One death and now Jim being bitten should surely start alarm bells ringing. If this had happened to one of the DD crew then I am pretty sure there would have been a public out cry from certain members of the JASA fan club. "

One death is a fact - Austrian diver Markus Groh, who was attacked and killed by a large shark in Bahamian waters on February 24, 2008

Jim Being bitten is a fact - Drews post re Jim Abernethy hospitalized after being bitten by a shark

I did not mention circumstances, I mentioned the facts that have been mentioned above. If Jim has not been bitten by a shark then perhaps Drew should not have posted the topic which I have linked to above.

Stew

I've been on the Shearwater and the Dolphin Dream and can say the big difference is Jim feeds the sharks and therefore you have a better chance of seeing tons of sharks while the DD baits the sharks but does feed them by hand (at least not that I saw) and therefore you'll see fewer sharks...it's that simple!

Mike

Hey Mike,

Since you've been on both boats can you share your thoughts on how the boats compare?

Also, I remember on the trip we did together on the Shearwater Jim has stations in great locations on the reef where you could setup and were almost guaranteed a great photo opportunity. Is the Dolphin Dream similar?

Cheers partner,

Steve

Having said all that, once any diver is in the water, particularly as they get further from the boat and crew's ability to protect or intervene, it's obviously every individual has to be responsible for himself as it is every time we get in the water, sharks or no sharks, safety policies or not. The previous unfortunate incident on the Shearwater was clearly in that category.

Exactly, Jeff! I think it's very naive to think that all the safety protocols in the world will do any good once you're in the water. As it's been said many times, it's not "if" BUT "WHEN" an incident will occur and also a matter of severity. This is regardless of operator.

Markus Groh died of complications from a single bite, which severed his artery. The shark certainly didn't attack in the general usage of that word and it certainly didn't kill him for food. To think otherwise would be, to put it mildly, not the correct way of seeing things and it furthers the demonization of sharks. This runs contrary to message of conservation of sharks.

Jim's press conference tells us what happened. He was laying bait and a reef snapped at the bait but bit his arm instead. It also immediately let go. This is obvious as Jim still has full motion of his arm and according to the report, will be cleared to dive in 10 days or so. The injuries aren't major.

What happens on the operator's boat can vary from trip to trip depending on clientele. Obviously Dolphin Dream has satisfied customers, otherwise they'd be out of business. Same for JASA Still, the actions on the Les Stroud show is on broadcast TV and can't be denied. It includes feeding tigers, enticing sharks to bite "scented" human replicas and also limbs, all at around an area where there are other divers.

Then again, JASA can't deny that shark incidents have happened on their boat, although the actual incidents can hardly be attributed to the operator's safety protocol. The facts are out there. Anyone doing research will need to know about all the operators, not just DD and JASA.

I think a pretty clear picture of the difference between DD and Shearwater is emerging. If one wants a reasonable up close experience with sharks, though not necessarily intense and in your face, then DD is a good choice. If one wants a more intense up close experience and more photographer oriented, but requiring more alertness and responsibility on the diver's part,then Shearwater may be a better choice.

Hey Steve,

Loftus just summed up the difference pretty well!

As far as setting up on the reef for those shots we all want....On the DD we tried that but no Tigers showed. I don't know if this is the norm for the DD or not. We did most of our diving in less than 30' and would usually see one or two tigers at time.

I was only on one trip so again I don't if this is the norm. I did have a great time on the DD due to the relaxed nature, but also had a great time on the Shearwater due to the excitement....both great operations and I wouldn't hesitate to go on either one in the future. Of course I also don't want to get in a pissing contest as to which is better....like someone said it's like the Canon vs. Nikon debate...I know Canon is better and would rather not debate it!

Look at one of my earlier posts on this post...that was the simple difference that I saw.

Cheers!

Mike

Hey Mike,

Since you've been on both boats can you share your thoughts on how the boats compare?

Also, I remember on the trip we did together on the Shearwater Jim has stations in great locations on the reef where you could setup and were almost guaranteed a great photo opportunity. Is the Dolphin Dream similar?

 

Cheers partner,

Steve

like someone said it's like the Canon vs. Nikon debate...I know Canon is better and would rather not debate it!

good god why does this go on and on, While I feel sorry and jealous of the fact that Jim was bitten (yes I'd have been happy to be in his jimmy shoes) I dont see the real need for the (dont wanna lose friends here) the LoVe you all got for an appeantly obnoxious guy who just wants to steal the limelight time and time again and insist on you all taking turns, with only his expert attendance on a little crunby boat and charge you premium prices, while you can all be on a much bigger one and dive when you want, and be free from his god darn rules, DD allows you to dive when you want (yes maybe they dont have 16 frigging tiger sharks but at least they dont hand feed and they still get to see tigers) I came up from a dive and within 15 mins of them filling the tank on my back I was back in with the sharks, Jim to be honest deserves his bite, if he hand feeds them that much, crikey, DD just leaves the smell of the fish in the water and allows the sharks to come of their own free will with NO HAND FEEDING,

I seem to have managed to have done ok, will show you my best shots once they have appeared in a certain mag, cant allow them put here before then, but some 2nd tasters on my website.

NOBODY STOPS YOU GETTING TOO CLOSE ON THE DOLPHIN DREAM..and u can do it as much as u want..for half the price

CIAO...get well soon Jim/Remora

Quite diplomatic Scuby and I see bad karma in your future....you may live up to your name after all...CHOMP!

I hope your magazine pics are better than your tasters...I wonder how they compare to Jim's???

hey slp

I went once for the first time ever last nov, he goes every day..bad karma? only speaking my mind, is that not alowed after my personal experience, hes done well, i had to push off 2 lemons from my face within a second on the surface, loved it, but thought that was enough!!

Carry on and hold the trophy for Jim, after all.... He still has his wife to thank, for being a chef on Scott's boat, witthout that he'd be nothing...as he wouldnt have found tiger beach!

Hey Mike,

Since you've been on both boats can you share your thoughts on how the boats compare?

Also, I remember on the trip we did together on the Shearwater Jim has stations in great locations on the reef where you could setup and were almost guaranteed a great photo opportunity. Is the Dolphin Dream similar?

 

Cheers partner,

Steve

The Dolphin Dream is not as mobile as the SW but that does not make the SW a safer boat to be on. The Dolphin Dream tends to moor up on the chain at Tiger Beach, does NOT feed the sharks and stay there even when the tide is not in its favour, but I would rather that than have my and my guest safety compromised.

Stew

Quite diplomatic Scuby and I see bad karma in your future....you may live up to your name after all...CHOMP!

 

I hope your magazine pics are better than your tasters...I wonder how they compare to Jim's???

Bad Karma, who the F*ck are you, some kind of Buddhist GOD.

Keep on Wanking

Stew

Exactly, Jeff! I think it's very naive to think that all the safety protocols in the world will do any good once you're in the water. As it's been said many times, it's not "if" BUT "WHEN" an incident will occur and also a matter of severity. This is regardless of operator.

Markus Groh died of complications from a single bite, which severed his artery. The shark certainly didn't attack in the general usage of that word and it certainly didn't kill him for food. To think otherwise would be, to put it mildly, not the correct way of seeing things and it furthers the demonization of sharks. This runs contrary to message of conservation of sharks.

Jim's press conference tells us what happened. He was laying bait and a reef snapped at the bait but bit his arm instead. It also immediately let go. This is obvious as Jim still has full motion of his arm and according to the report, will be cleared to dive in 10 days or so. The injuries aren't major.

What happens on the operator's boat can vary from trip to trip depending on clientele. Obviously Dolphin Dream has satisfied customers, otherwise they'd be out of business. Same for JASA Still, their actions on the Les Stroud show is on broadcast TV and can't be denied. It includes feeding tigers, enticing sharks to bite "scented" human replicas and also limbs, all at around an area where there are other divers.

Then again, JASA can't deny that shark incidents have happened on their boat, although the actual incidents can hardly be attributed to the operator's safety protocol. The facts are out there. Anyone doing research will need to know about all the operators, not just DD and JASA.

Good to see that you are changing your opinion slightly Drew.

Exactly, Jeff! I think it's very naive to think that all the safety protocols in the world will do any good once you're in the water. As it's been said many times, it's not "if" BUT "WHEN" an incident will occur and also a matter of severity. This is regardless of operator

This is not something that I have heard you say before Drew

Markus Groh died of complications from a single bite, which severed his artery. The shark certainly didn't attack in the general usage of that word and it certainly didn't kill him for food. To think otherwise would be, to put it mildly, not the correct way of seeing things and it furthers the demonization of sharks. This runs contrary to message of conservation of sharks.

Please elaborate on this Drew, what complications do you know about and did you offer your evidence to the coroner, other than that Marcus Groh suffered a major cut from a shark bite to an artery and he was many miles away from medical assistance that he needed immediately. If you know of other complications then please do elaborate so that we all have a perfect understanding of the events that day when Marcus Groh died.

The shark certainly didn't attack in the general usage of that word and it certainly didn't kill him for food

How you can come out with a statement like this Drew is beyond me, How on earth can you use the word " CERTAINLY ". You were not there, or were you?, and you "certainly" are not the shark that done this to Marcus. You might be a man of big words and plenty of wisdom, but please use them both in the correct context otherwise you make yourself look rather silly.

at·tack (-tk)

v. at·tacked, at·tack·ing, at·tacks

v.tr.

1. To set upon with violent force.

2. To criticize strongly or in a hostile manner.

3. To start work on with purpose and vigor: attack a problem.

4. To begin to affect harmfully: a disease that attacks the central nervous system.

I would say that the shark in question was in the number 1 of the above.

It may be did not kill Marcus for food, but I would say that it attacked Marcus with violent force.

Stew

RIP Marcus Groh

Sounds like you and your boyfriend Scuby are wanking each other enough to make you both go blind!

Good luck on your Dolphin Dream trip (unless you puss out) I'll be sure to put in a good for you! And to forget to tip you cheap wanker!

With all the online whining you do I'm surprised you have enough time to dive or maybe you don't.

Mike

Bad Karma, who the F*ck are you, some kind of Buddhist GOD.

 

Keep on Wanking

 

Stew

Stew your truly a retard!

How do you know that Marcus's leg was not close to the bait and the shark mistook it for bait, just like the incident with Jim??!!

Attack is usually a word the media uses to describe every shark bite incident.

You should just out of the water if that is your view of shark behavior!

Mike

Good to see that you are changing your opinion slightly Drew.

 

This is not something that I have heard you say before Drew

 

 

Please elaborate on this Drew, what complications do you know about and did you offer your evidence to the coroner, other than that Marcus Groh suffered a major cut from a shark bite to an artery and he was many miles away from medical assistance that he needed immediately. If you know of other complications then please do elaborate so that we all have a perfect understanding of the events that day when Marcus Groh died.

 

 

 

How you can come out with a statement like this Drew is beyond me, How on earth can you use the word " CERTAINLY ". You were not there, or were you?, and you "certainly" are not the shark that done this to Marcus. You might be a man of big words and plenty of wisdom, but please use them both in the correct context otherwise you make yourself look rather silly.

 

 

at·tack (-tk)

v. at·tacked, at·tack·ing, at·tacks

v.tr.

1. To set upon with violent force.

2. To criticize strongly or in a hostile manner.

3. To start work on with purpose and vigor: attack a problem.

4. To begin to affect harmfully: a disease that attacks the central nervous system.

 

I would say that the shark in question was in the number 1 of the above.

 

It may be did not kill Marcus for food, but I would say that it attacked Marcus with violent force.

 

Stew

 

 

RIP Marcus Groh

Sounds like you and your boyfriend Scuby are wanking each other enough to make you both go blind!

 

Good luck on your Dolphin Dream trip (unless you puss out) I'll be sure to put in a good for you! And to forget to tip you cheap wanker!

 

With all the online whining you do I'm surprised you have enough time to dive or maybe you don't.

 

Mike

LOL.

;)

We never did see any of your shots from your last trip out there did we.

Have a nice daaay.

Stew