Shark diving:
have you got the metal?
have you got the metal?
For most people the prospect of confronting a Great White shark in the water is the stuff of nightmares, however thanks to aluminium, countless numbers of thrill seekers have been able to experience the wonder of being up close and personal with one of nature's greatest predators.
August 19, 2015
It is aluminium's unique qualities of being light, non-corrosive and most importantly strong, that make the metal ideal for the construction of shark cages.
In the past, most cages were made out of steel which while strong did not fare well in salt water and due to their weight often required cranes to lower them into a boat. It is therefore not surprising that if you are brave enough to step foot in a shark cage, the chances are it will be made out of aluminium.
Whilst in reality a shark is very unlikely to take a bite out of a cage - a metal box is unlikely to seem like an appealing meal, any person who gets into one will want to make absolutely sure that even if a curious young shark does decide to take clamp it's razor sharp teeth into the cage the metal is strong enough to protect them!
Divers in an aluminium cage can be safe in the knowledge that aluminium's high tensile strength means that even a Great White, which can apply upwards of 1,000 PSI of bite force won't be able to even dent the bars, although they may leave an impressive scratch mark! Aluminium's unique properties mean that it can be easily combined with other metals and made even stronger.
Although not as dramatic as a bite from a Great White, salt water is extremely corrosive and will cause many metals to rust over and become unsuitable after a sustained period in the water. However, aluminium with its natural layer of aluminium oxide does not corrode and is therefore extremely durable. This means that it can take on not only the mighty power of a shark bite but also the corrosive damage of salt water. As long as it is properly maintained an aluminium shark cage should be able to provide a safe environment for shark watchers for a long time.
Whilst there are many companies offering those brave enough the opportunity to see sharks close up, one company, Great White Adventures has been pioneering the use of aluminium for many years.
One of their founders, James Moskito explained in a recent interview that his company originally used steel cages, but found that they only lasted a couple of weeks. They found aluminium was a far more suitable metal for cages.
Now, nearly all of their and indeed the industry's cages are made out of aluminium. Moskito also revealed that his company received a rather unusual request from the car company, who were keen to prove that the naked chassis of an aluminium-bodied SUV is able to protect a family of four in shark infested waters. Their plan was to attach the chassis to a cable and lower it into the water. Whilst the plan has yet to come to fruition Moskito and his company are all set up to go!
We hope that the this article has reassured all those about to embark on an experience of a lifetime, that when they are in an aluminium cage and a shark approaches them they can be sure that they are being protected by one of the safest metals in the world. This should hopefully mean they are free to enjoy (if that's possible!) being in the company of one of nature's most incredible and fearsome animals.
