I have now been on the shark boat for two weeks. I think I now have a pretty good idea of how these operations work and I have to say that politics appear in every industry, even in a place idyllic as this.
As I described before, the tours unfold in a pretty straightforward way. We get the clients on the boat, get out to our anchor point, chum the water and voila, sharks appear. However, there are many factors at play and we can just as easily miss the sharks. There are eight shark cage diving boats in this bay, and each one is trying to satisfy their clients with a good view
Today was a good example of bad politics. We were the third boat out of the harbour, which should mean we should get a decent spot on the reef. Lately, everyone is struggling to get a large number of sharks in, so everyone is searching for the best spot. We anchored in line with another boat just off the reef, which means our chum line will flow in parallel with the other boat and across the reef. We were a respectable distance away from them, so all were happy. We had a good working shark within about 15 mins.
Our first cage of divers got several good looks, but then the shark disappeared for a bit. This often happens but as long as you keep chumming, you pull them back in or get a different one. The chum line leads them right to you.
We had only been on anchor about 20 mins, when another cage boat slide in behind us and laid anchor. By this time the wind and currents were shifting, and when they started chumming it came directly under our boat. Which essentially means that our chum line becomes theirs, as the sharks will keep following the scent until it runs out. With them behind us, our boat was no longer at the end of the chum line. Within 5 mins, our shark from earlier appeared at their boat and they began to work it for their clients.
Our skipper is very mild mannered and kept saying, that when the other boat realized where their chum line was, they'd move off. No such luck. We eventually had to call over to them. They were not about to give up the sharks, so we were forced to move up next to them to try and regain a single chum line.
Once we repositioned, we had sharks again within minutes. However, we were virtually on top of the other boat. They kept calling over to tell us that they didn't take our chum line and that their sharks came from behind them (as if)!
Later we heard they had been told to stay away from some of the other boats. This particular boat has quite a nasty reputation on the water. It just goes to show, no matter what your business, there is always some jerk to cause issues.
In a discussion later on shore, I found myself getting very involved in trying to determine a solution. I suggested theories for conflict resolution tactics, communication styles, and impacts on crew morale. I was siting all kinds examples from my Rogers days. It just all came flowing out of me. I guess my business training hasn't been wiped out of me yet.
The truth is, I felt really useful and valuable when giving my opinions and experience. Hmmm, something to keep in mind when I get back and start looking for the next job opportunity. .
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Ah, nothing more important that feeling useful and respected when it comes to work, regardless of what it is you're doing. That's a big issue for me in my current position. I got on my soapbox in our manager's meeting about how we're so focused on our money crisis and making money we're ignoring the thing that will really bring us down which is that we aren't taking care of our people. Once again the 'powers that be' just got definsive and kept explaining how we need the money (blah, blah, blah). It didn't help that immediately after work I went to see my financial advisor and when I told him "no, work does not provide any sort of retirement program." he dragged HIS soapbox out about how important it is to take care of your people and let them know they are important regardless of the money situation. Talk about preaching to the choir! So... any room for a companion on your sabbatical? I'd rather be serving chum at this point.
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