Shark School 2012

Erich Ritter’s seminars are not only educational, but also entertaining. In 2009 participants were treated to beautiful video footage of all shark behaviors that Erich Ritter explained during his course. During the dives he focused on putting the lessons to practice. The most important message however is that between SharkSchool 2007 and 2009 a horrifying 175,200,000 sharks were killed, while only around 80 shark accidents were reported with only 3 deadly victims worldwide. Only the understanding of Shark behavior will make us humans understand that these beautiful animals are not vicious killers and that they should be protected before it is too late, when the sharks die, the seas will die.

During the four day program that was developed by Erich, the participants learn all they need to know about the behaviour of different species of sharks and how to be a safer diver while diving with them. Key goal of the program is to make the participants aware that there is no such thing as shark attacks, only shark accidents. There are no dangerous sharks, only dangerous situations, knowingly or unknowingly created by humans because they do not understand shark behavior. Ritter therefore focuses on understanding of shark behaviour. The course takes place during the season of the Longimanus on Elphinstone. During the program you will make six dives on Elphinstone, at least one of these dives will be with Erich or his assistant.

Workshop Program

Day 1: Check Dive, Intro Meeting & Lecture 1

Day 2: 2 Elphinstone Dives & Lecture 2

Day 3: 2 Elphinstone Dives & Lecture 3

Day 4: 2 Elphinstone Dives & Lecture 4

Topics covered

Evolution

Biology (senses, mating, birth and juveniles)

Ecology & Food Chain

Shark-Human Interaction ADORE-SANE (Interaction concept of Dr. Erich Ritter)

Myths, fears and phobias

Longlining, Finning, Nets, Trade & Sales / Stop Finning, Stop Sales

Longimanus special

Dates

7 nights - 3-10th October or 10-17th October Gatwick / Marsa Alam

7 nights 1-8th October or 8-15th October Gatwick / Hurghada

Workshop 1: 3 - 6 October 2012

Workshop 2: 10 - 13 October 2012

Price:

From £1125 Includes return flights, transfers, 7 nights full board & 5 days shore diving, including 3 day workshop

Requirements

To join Shark School and dive on Elphinstone you must have at least Advanced Open Water level and 50 logged dives