SHARK DIVING - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Is there a minimum age?
Yes, you must be 16 or over.
- Is there a weight restriction?
No, but you must be able to fit into an XXL wetsuit.
- Where will the dive take place?
Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire Oaks, Cheshire CH65 9LF – just off Junction 10 of the M53.
- Is all equipment provided?
Yes, all kit for the dive is provided on the dayalthough you will need swimwear and a towel.
- Can I bring spectators on the day?
Yes - two spectators are given free admission and any extra are offered at a discounted entry price.
- Do I need experience?
Not at all. You will be given full training on the day which will take around 2 hours. However, you do need to be able to master the basics of swimming and not be afraid of water.
- Can I take part if I suffer from a medical condition?
At the time of booking you will be sent a PADI medical form. This form must be completed by all divers regardless of whether they have dived before or not. If you answer 'Yes' to any of the questions on the medical form, you will need to get a doctor to sign the form to say you are fit enough to dive. Please do check with your doctor if you have any concerns.
- Will I be in a cage?
There is no cage involved – this is a face to face dive with the sharks.
- What does the experience involve?
You will initially be given training in a classroom environment, led by a specialist Dive Master. Here you will learn about what animals you will be diving with and the principles of scuba diving.
Following this you will be kitted out in your wetsuit (all sizes available up to XXL) and scuba gear before entering the training pool. Here you will be taught all of the necessary skills to use your scuba gear correctly, and once comfortable with this you will take the dive into the main tank.
During your dive you will accompanied by one of Blue Planet’s divers, who will ensure your safety whilst in the water. You will dive to the bottom of the tank (approximately 8 metres) then travel from place to place along the bottom of the tank.
You will be accompanied by Europe's largest collection of sharks including Sand tiger sharks, Nurse sharks, Lemon sharks, Guitar sharks, Whitetips, Blacktips and Bamboo sharks. There are also some giant rays, and obviously a lot of fish! The dive will last approximately half an hour.
- How long does the experience last?
Including tuition, the Shark Encounter experience lasts between 4 and 5 hours.
- How much do I need to raise?
We require you to pay a £70 registration fee upon booking and raise a minimum of £295 in sponsorship. We require £125 of the sponsorship 7 weeks before thechallenge takes place. This is to ensure the cost of your dive is covered. The balance must be raised by the time the event takes place.
- What if I don’t raise the minimum?
The fundraising team at St Luke’s are on hand to support you and help you to reach your fundraising target. We can provide materials for fundraising events, offer bag packing sessions to help “earn” your sponsorship. But it is important to note that if you haven’t raised the minimum amount by the date required the dive will be unable to go ahead. If you have any concerns about reaching the minimum target, get in touch for a chat and we’ll do all we can to help.
If you’re question hasn’t been answeredplease give the fundraising team a call on 01606 555685.