PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Speciality Course
What is the PADI AWARE Shark Conservation course?
Join the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School in our mission to protect the magnificent and misunderstood creatures of the sea with the AWARE Shark Conservation Speciality course. Whether you're fascinated by sharks, curious about them, or harbour a healthy respect for their power, this course will deepen your understanding of these magnificent animals and their importance to marine ecosystems and economies.
You'll learn about the factors threatening shark populations and the ways in which you can become a knowledgeable and passionate defender of these vital creatures. With the skills and knowledge you'll gain, you'll be able to dispel myths and misconceptions about sharks, and take meaningful action to help protect them. So don't wait - sharks need you, and the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School is here to help you make a difference.
Who is this course for?
The PADI AWARE Shark Conservation course is for scuba divers with an Open Water rating or higher who want to learn more about sharks, the crucial role they play in the ecosystem, and how they can be protected.
This course is open to qualified divers aged 12 years and older.
How to take part
The PADI AWARE Shark Conservation course at the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School costs R5 300 per person. This includes everything you need for the course – digital theory packs, gear rental, dive permits, final qualification certification, etc.
Participant information
Age restrictions
Participants must be 12 years or older to enrol in the PADI AWARE Shark Conservation course. 12- to 14-year-old divers should already possess a PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification and those older, a PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent.
Important medical information
To do the PADI AWARE Shark Conservation course, you need to be reasonably healthy. You will need to complete a medical questionnaire before being allowed to dive - download it here. Have a look through the questions on Page 2. If you were to answer “Yes” to any of the questions, you would need a letter from a doctor clearing you for diving. If you answer “No” to all questions, no doctor’s letter is required. Should there be an answer that concerns us, we reserve the right to ask for a referral to a diving physician. When answering these questions, honesty is paramount to your safety and ours.
Flying after diving
Please be advised that you may not do this course and dive if you are planning to fly within 24 hours after the dive.
Course information
Course duration
The course takes place over two days to complete. The days do not need to be consecutive, but we strongly recommend that you complete these days in close succession so that everything is fresh in your mind.
Days typically start at 08h00 in the foyer of the Aquarium, where your dive instructor will meet you. Typically, your day will finish around 16h00, but this is weather dependent and will be discussed between you and the Dive School team ahead of time.
Frequently asked questions
The PADI AWARE Shark Conservation course consists of two sessions:
- Day 1: Classroom session and Two Oceans Aquarium Kelp Forest Exhibit dive where we will cover why sharks are an essential part of a healthy ocean. This course explores why they are vulnerable, the importance of a healthy shark population, managing threats and how to take action to protect them.
- Day 2: 1 x Boat dive
All you need to bring along is a swimsuit and a reusable water bottle.
We provide everything you will need on the day, including all gear, study materials, and hot showers.
Transport to the dive sites is not included.
The Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School is a certified PADI Five-Star Dive Centre and your one-stop shop for all things scuba diving in Cape Town.
PADI is the world’s leading scuba diver training organisation. As a certified PADI Dive Centre, the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School meets all the stringent health, safety and quality requirements as set out by PADI.
Please read our terms and conditions and make sure you are eligible to dive before making your dive booking:
In line with recognised diving practice, dives may not occur if divers are to FLY less than 12 hours after the dive time (or 24 hours for the PADI Open Water Diver and PADI Advanced Open Water courses). Please do not book if you are not sure about the exact time of your flight, especially if it is within 24 hours after your dive.
If you have a valid dive qualification but have not dived for over 6 months you will be required to complete a refresher course on the day of your dive. This will be done at the Aquarium.
For safety reasons, divers must be at least 10 years old to dive in our exhibits.
Divers under 18 must have their indemnity form signed by their legal guardian. If the legal guardian will not be present on the day of the dive, they must request a copy of the indemnity form at the time of booking the dive so that it is signed in advance of the dive.
The Aquarium entrance fee is included in the rate for the diver/s on the day/s of their dive/s.
Cancellation policy
Before cancelling your booking, please note that PADI dive courses are non-refundable. The Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School requests proof of payment as well as a completed booking form to secure your preferred dates.