Protective Oceanic Device

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The Protective Oceanic Device (POD), developed by Dr. Graeme Charter and Norman Starkey, is the first successful electronic shark repellent for scuba divers.

By producing an electromagnetic field, the POD irritates the ampullae of Lorenzini of a shark. The POD has proven itself successful in deterring sharks. It is a personal mobile protection for one person and can therefore not replace shark nets that are used to protect whole beaches. The original "SharkPOD" was developed and marketed by the Natal Sharks Board in South Africa. It was tested for eight years off Dyer Island with mainly great white sharks. An Australian company has bought the rights and produces the compact "Shark Shield".[1]

Ron Taylor and Valerie Taylor tested the first POD on sharks in Australia and South Africa with positive results.

Video footage of the first generation PODs may be in use today to promote the second generation PODs ("Shark Shield").

[edit] See also

• Shark attack
• Shark net
• Shark proof cage