Specialty · Conservation
Do you love sharks, or fear them? Either way, this specialty turns you into an informed advocate for one of the ocean's most misunderstood predators.
Get more infoSharks and rays are vital to healthy oceans, and many species are under threat. The PADI Shark Conservation Specialty explains why they matter and what divers can do to help.
You learn about the main threats, the solutions being used around the world and how your dives can generate data that supports conservation.
| Theory (knowledge development) | Knowledge development is usually done through PADI eLearning or self-study. |
| Pool / confined water | Not applicable. |
| Open water | Check with Scubaversity whether open water dives are included. |
Confirm with Scubaversity. PADI's course page does not list prerequisites in the material reviewed.
Minimum age: Confirm with Scubaversity (not stated in the material reviewed).
Training dives: Confirm with Scubaversity.
At Scubaversity: PADI Junior Open Water Diver (minimum age 12) or equivalent.
Typically a day or less.
Divers and ocean lovers who care about sharks and want to help protect them.
This specialty features the #Divers4Makos campaign — mako sharks are especially vulnerable to overfishing, particularly in the North Atlantic, with an estimated 50-year recovery time even if fishing bans were implemented today.
You need PADI Junior Open Water Diver (minimum age 12) or an equivalent certification to enrol in AWARE Shark Conservation.
It's primarily knowledge-based, covering declining shark populations and their causes, shark anatomy, senses, reproduction, habitat and feeding, plus video content on shark biology and conservation, including the #Divers4Makos campaign. It's run at our Gauteng classroom, with no dedicated certification dives required.
It's a conservation campaign featured in this specialty focused on mako sharks, which are especially vulnerable to overfishing — particularly in the North Atlantic — with an estimated 50-year recovery time even if fishing bans were implemented today.
AWARE Shark Conservation is R4 398 for club members and R4 548 for non-members, including PADI materials. Book via our enquiry form or get in touch through contact with any questions.
The course focuses on conservation knowledge and how you can help. Ask Scubaversity about the format.
Many shark and ray species have declined sharply, and healthy populations are important for a balanced ocean.