Code of Conduct
Respect for people. Respect for wildlife. Respect for the ocean.
These standards apply to everyone working with, partnering with, or joining Shark Fam on a trip, including crew, guides, contractors, photographers, and guests. They apply on boats, in accommodations, during trip activities, and in trip-related communications.
Professional conduct & respect
Everyone representing or traveling with Shark Fam is expected to act professionally, responsibly, and respectfully. Treat guests, crew, partners, and local communities with dignity. Harassment of any kind is not tolerated in any form, whether in person, through messages, or online. This includes discrimination, bullying, intimidation, threats, abusive behavior, and unwanted sexual attention. Respect personal boundaries and follow reasonable instructions from trip leaders.
Wildlife welfare & responsible encounters
We are visitors in the animals’ environment. Never touch, grab, chase, corner, ride, restrain, or deliberately disturb wildlife. Do not block an animal’s path, separate animals, damage habitat, or act in ways that cause stress, injury, or disrupt natural behavior. Keep the distance and positioning directed by your guide. Do not feed, bait, or attract wildlife on your own; any attraction activity must be authorized, lawful, and managed by designated crew under established protocols. A photograph or close encounter never takes priority over animal welfare. Any permitted research or animal handling must be carried out only by authorized, qualified personnel.
Professional boundaries & sexual harassment
Shark Fam associates, crew, guides, and partners must maintain professional boundaries with guests and one another. They must not pursue or initiate romantic or sexual relationships with guests or fellow associates during an expedition. Guests are expected to observe the same boundaries with crew and other participants. These are wildlife trips, not opportunities to pursue hookups. Sexual harassment, unwanted advances, sexual comments, inappropriate touching, and pressure for private or intimate contact are prohibited. Never use authority, alcohol, special treatment, or access to activities to influence someone. Existing couples are welcome and must respect the shared environment.
Rooms, privacy & personal space
Never enter another person’s room, cabin, or private space without clear permission. Knock and wait for an invitation; an unlocked door is not permission. Staff access must be for an authorized operational reason, with notice where practical, or a genuine emergency. Respect privacy when people change, sleep, or use bathrooms. Do not photograph, record, or share private or intimate moments without permission. When providing individual assistance, explain the reason, ask permission, and use an open or shared setting where practical.
Communication & everyday boundaries
Keep trip-related conversations, messages, and invitations respectful. Do not send suggestive content, repeatedly seek private time, or continue an interaction after someone declines or appears uncomfortable. Respect a person’s decision to step away without demanding an explanation. Avoid gossip, humiliating jokes, and sharing someone’s personal information. Report concerns rather than confronting or publicly shaming another participant.
Safety, fitness for duty & sound judgment
Follow safety briefings, vessel rules, equipment requirements, and directions from qualified crew. Work within your training and maintain the qualifications required for your role. Never pressure anyone into an activity beyond their ability or comfort. Crew must be fit for duty, and no participant may join water activities or operate equipment while impaired. Report hazards, injuries, equipment problems, and near misses promptly. Pause an activity when conditions are unsafe; schedules, sales, and footage never come before safety.
Environmental & community responsibility
Prevent litter and pollution, reduce unnecessary waste, and respect reefs, shorelines, and protected areas. Do not collect wildlife or natural souvenirs. Follow local rules and respect local communities, workers, customs, and property. Leave shared boats, accommodations, and equipment clean and in good condition. Partners must communicate these standards to the people assigned to our trips.
Honest business & responsible content
Describe trips, prices, conditions, qualifications, and wildlife opportunities accurately. Do not guarantee sightings or outcomes that cannot be promised, fabricate reviews, or misrepresent conservation work. Honor agreed commitments, disclose relevant conflicts of interest, and do not misuse company funds, property, or access. Protect booking details and guest information. Obtain appropriate permission before using identifiable guest images or stories for promotion, and respect ownership of photographs and other creative work.
Reporting, accountability & consequences
Raise concerns promptly with a trip leader or Shark Fam management through our Contact page. If the concern involves your trip leader, contact management directly. Immediate danger requires immediate safety action and, where needed, local emergency assistance. Reports will be reviewed fairly and as privately as practicable. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith or participates in a review is prohibited. Associates or partners who violate this Code may be removed from duties or have their relationship with Shark Fam ended. Guests who violate it may be removed from activities or the trip, with safe disembarkation arranged. These standards apply regardless of position, seniority, or commercial value.
Acknowledgment & shared responsibility
All associates and partners must review and acknowledge this Code before working with or representing Shark Fam. Guests are expected to read and follow it throughout their trip. Trip leaders must communicate expectations, model appropriate behavior, and respond to concerns. Written acknowledgments must be collected separately; publication of this page alone does not record anyone’s agreement.