Police in South Australia had a "Jaws" experience when their operation was interrupted by a great white shark.

The shark serenely followed them as they rode on a small police dinghy, which was in turn pursuing a recreational fishing boat selected for a random breath test.

Their inflatable dinghy was only 4.5m long, shorter than the shark following them.

The animal, after a few minutes, left the police alone and went to circle the fishing boat. The force saw the funny side and named the shark Noah.

The South Australia Police Force wrote on social media: "Police launch Investigator 2 had a close encounter with a Great White shark today while patrolling at Tapley Shoal, about 9 nautical miles east of Edithburgh.