Diver high fives huge shark and lives to post the video to Facebook

When confronted by mind-bogglingly large predators, then recommended response is to soil yourself and hope for the best.

Unless you're a marine scientist, in which case you high five the terrible beast.

Dr Mauricio Hoyos Padilla takes the scientific route in this video, posted to his Facebook page of a great white encounter off the coast of Mexico.

Dr Padilla claims it is the largest great white shark ever spotted in the area, which may explain why he was excited enough to leave the safety of his shark cage to high five its fin.

Here's proof Dr Padilla isn't the first, or craziest, to get so close to these amazing sea monsters:

Great white shark gets extremely close and smiles for the camera

Filmmaker comes face-to-face with great white
Shark gets belly rub like a puppy
Up close and personal with a great white
Swimming with a whale shark

Shark gets tender loving care from keeper