part 5. guiding ws excursions © alejandro remolina suarez
TRANSCRIPT
5.1 Guest Briefing Activity
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 ContentTop tips:
Be enthusiastic and professional
Use non-verbal communication
Keep it short 10-15mins max
Use a briefing pack
© MWSRP
5.2 Guest Briefing ContentA 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
5.5 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