Shark Program
WELCOME TO MOSSEL BAY YACHTING ACADEMY
Mossel Bay Yachting Academy offers high-quality SCUBA training as part of our
comprehensive maritime programs. Our students receive expert instruction from awardwinning
NAUI Instructors, passionate marine biologists, and dedicated conservationists who
bring years of experience in both dive training and marine preservation.
Our SCUBA training is led by highly qualified professionals, including Elton Polly, an awardwinning
NAUI Instructor and International Advisor for NAUI Africa. With a strong background in
mentoring divemasters and instructor candidates, Elton has played a key role in shaping dive
education across the continent.
The Divemaster Internship, originally initiated in 2018, has evolved to offer an immersive
experience in SCUBA diving, eco-tourism, and marine conservation. In collaboration with
White Shark Africa’s Eco Program, our students gain hands-on experience in shark
conservation while developing the skills necessary for a successful career in the diving
industry.
By training with Mossel Bay Yachting Academy, students benefit from world-class dive
instruction while building a strong foundation in maritime and marine conservation fields.
Who should apply?
This program is open to anyone with a real interest in SCUBA diving, sharks, and the marine world. It is ideal for those who wish to be involved in something rewarding, educational, and overall enjoyable. Anyone studying biology, marine biology, zoology, oceanography, marine tourism, environmental conservation, animal husbandry, marine filming, recreational management, etc. will find the program particularly beneficial towards their goals.
No prior diving experience is necessary; we welcome beginners and provide comprehensive training.
During your Shark Program, you will have the opportunity to achieve your NAUI Divemaster qualification. Should you not have the time to complete all of the required courses (three months), we do offer shorter time periods (one and two months) that also include several SCUBA courses and diving activities.
This program was designed with your professional field experience and career goals in mind. We are constantly adjusting roles and requirements to suit our students individual needs and passions.
THE SHARK PROGRAM
Each program starts on the 1st of each month and runs Monday to Friday, leaving
weekends free for relaxation and exploration. Participants may choose to enroll for one,
two, or three months.
The program is open to anyone with a genuine interest in SCUBA diving, sharks, and marine
conservation. It is particularly beneficial for students of biology, marine biology, zoology,
oceanography, eco-tourism, environmental conservation, wildlife filming, and related
fields. It is also ideal for SCUBA divers looking to advance their careers.
This program aims to change the negative misconceptions surrounding great white sharks
and educate visitors of the cage diving trips in a positive, conservation-focused way.
Program Requirements:
Minimum age: 18 years
Medical clearance: NAUI Medical Form required
Insurance: DAN Insurance required (More Info)
Program Details
Mossel Bay is situated on the scenic Garden Route in the Western Cape of South Africa. It is well known for having one of the highest Great White Shark concentrations along the South African coastline and in the world.
But don’t worry – you can consider yourself one of the lucky few if you happen to see one on a dive.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
What we offer as a program is a hands-on approach to working, not only with Great White Sharks alongside our partners at White Shark Africa, but also the many other species found in the area.
We provide field experience teaching different techniques and methods related to our current projects. Our long-term projects include; White Shark Fin Identification (Population Dynamics), Nudibranch Dive Surveys, Species Identification and Ocean Literacy, and ORI Benthic Shark Tagging.
We have weekly shifts at the local Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre (SAPREC), and run a variety of ongoing conservation projects such as coastal cleans & dives, community outreach, and sustainable fishing practices with our friends at Keep Fin Alive and Salt Life Fishing.
Mission
The Shark Program was designed to promote the conservation and understanding of local shark populations through immersive, hands-on experiences that combine adventure with education. Our program aims to cultivate exceptional diving professionals who are passionate about marine conservation, safety, and education.
NAUI DIVEMASTER
Required Courses
Diving theory is conducted in the classroom or online via e-Learning. Course completion
requires a mix of theory sessions and practical training dives.
Courses include:
Open Water SCUBA Diver
Advanced Open Water SCUBA Diver
Rescue Diver
Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) Diver
Master SCUBA Diver
First Aid for Diving Professionals
Divemaster
Duration:
Minimum of 2 months to complete practical dives
3 months recommended to reach 60 logged dives
Intern Responsibilities:
Boat and gear maintenance
Briefing clients and rinsing gear
Filling cylinders and maintaining a clean gear room
Marketing to local businesses and social media management
Assisting instructors with training and conservation education
CONSERVATION PROJECTS
Seabird & Penguin Husbandry
Interns assist at the Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre (SAPREC), gaining handson experience in marine bird care.
NAUI Clean Ocean Diver Workshop
A plastic pollution lecture and hands-on reef clean-up dive with Keep Fin Alive.
Species Identification & Ocean Literacy
Interns develop knowledge of marine species to become better underwater guides.
Coastal Clean-Ups
Participation in beach clean-ups to remove harmful plastics and ghost fishing gear.
RESEARCH TECHNIQUES
Population Dynamics (Fin ID)
Interns collect and analyze Great White Shark dorsal fin photos to identify individual sharks.
Sustainable Fishing / Benthic Shark Tagging
Interns work with ethical fishing charters to track shark populations (excluding Great
Whites).
Nudibranch Surveys
Study and document marine biodiversity using nudibranch species identification.
Reef Surveys & BRUVs
Monitor marine ecosystems with visual reef surveys and Baited Remote Underwater Videos
(BRUVs).
2026 SCUBA COURSE BREAKDOWN
Two Months
Open Water SCUBA Diver, Advanced Open Water SCUBA Diver, Rescue SCUBA Diver and Master SCUBA Diver
Three Months
Open Water SCUBA Diver, Advanced Open Water SCUBA Diver, Rescue SCUBA Diver, Master SCUBA Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) Diver, First Aid for Diving Professionals and Divemaster.
Instructor ( ITC) Program available on request.
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
Twin Palms, Mossel Bay
Dormitory-style, self-catering accommodation
Walking distance to the dive center, shops, restaurants, and harbor
Free Wi-Fi, communal kitchen, and BBQ area
Laundry services nearby
A Typical Week on the Program:
Day 1: Arrival & induction
Day 2: White Shark Cage Diving & SCUBA training
Day 3: White Shark Breaching Trip & SAPREC shift
Day 4: Coastal Clean-Up & SCUBA diving
Day 5: Sustainable Fishing & Skippers Training
TIME OFF & OPTIONAL TOURS
Interns can explore South Africa during weekends or bad weather days.
Adventure & Wildlife Tours:
Cape Town & Table Mountain
Durban & Aliwal Shoal
Schotia Safari & Port Elizabeth
Plettenberg Bay Wildlife Sanctuaries
Cango Caves & Wildlife Ranch
Skydiving & Bungee Jumping
Wine Tasting & Horseback Safari
ELIGIBILITY & TUITION FEES
2026 Tuition Fees (USD)
One Month Internship: $2900
Two Month Internship: $5200
Three Month Internship: $6700
Requirements:
Minimum Age: 18 years
Medical Clearance: NAUI Medical Form required
Insurance: DAN Insurance required (More Info)
Includes
Accommodation
Students will stay in self-catering dormitory style accommodation in central Mossel Bay. Twin Palms is located within easy walking distance to the dive center, shops, restaurants, and the harbor.
Gear and Course Material
All required SCUBA course material is provided along with full kits from our school gear. Students may bring personal gear if preferred.
Logged Sea Hours
We have digital logbooks ready for each student whether they use them for university to show the field experience they gained, or to log sea hours towards career goals.
Networking and Career Advisory
Throughout this program, students meet a network of marine professionals. Following completion of the program, students will be assisted with individual career needs.
Excludes
Flights
Neither international nor domestic flights are included in the Shark Program fee. Free travel advisory is provided upon request.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not provided, but it is recommended. DAN Insurance is not provided past the Open Water SCUBA Diver course, but it is a requirement to take part in the Shark Program.
Meals
Meals are not provided, however there is a meal catering plan should students wish to purchase. More info can be given upon request.
Tours
Weekend tours are optional. We handle scheduling and booking of tours, but they are at the students expense.
Ready to get started?