Michael Rutzen

Shark Diving Unlimited is owned and operated by Michael Rutzen. Mike is world renown for his incredible interactions with great white sharks - outside of the cage! Over 10 years of experience observing great white sharks has given him a unique insight into their behaviour.

In 1994 Michael began working as a skipper during the early days of the great white shark cage diving industry. By 2001 he bought the 12m/ 42ft Lee cat 'Barracuda' and launched Shark Diving Unlimited!

It was in 1998 that Mike first ventured outside of the cage. Having spent his youth spear fishing the area he knew the reefs well, and had already encountered great white sharks!

By taking very small calculated steps and maintaining extreme caution Mike has slowly unraveled some of the mysteries behind the private life of these most misunderstood predators.

His interactions with the great white shark have not only revealed a subtle body language but also a complex social hierarchy. Mikes journey into the world of the great white shark has been captured by many of the world's best film crews and photographers. See the breath taking documentary 'Beyond Fear' on National Geographic and articles in all the major dive magazines!

Mikes understanding of great white shark behaviour was acknowledged in 2005 by PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors). Mike is now the only Instructor in the world who can certify you as a PADI Great White Shark Specialty Diver! The course includes cage diving and a scuba dive in Shark Alley with the Cape fur seals. Don't worry the course DOES NOT teach you how to free dive with great white sharks!

Mike's expertise is also utilized by the South African Marine and Coastal Management government department. MCM undertakes many different scientific research projects on the great white sharks and Mike volunteers his services for free.

During the 2003 joint MCM and WSC satellite tagging project Mike carefully maneuvered a 3.5m female great white shark into a cradle so as a team of scientists could attach a satellite tag! The shark made a monumental migration from South Africa to Western Australia and back again in only 99 days! She was first spotted back in Gansbaai by the Shark Diving Unlimited crew!

MCM also places acoustic receivers on the sea bed to monitor the small scale movements of the sharks around Dyer Island and neighboring hotspots. Mike and his safety diver Morne happly dive in prime great white shark territory to place the recivers!

Mike also holds a skippers license and a commercial divers ticket (Level 4). He is a EFR Medical First Aid responder and holds a First Aid at Sea Medical Certificate. Recently Mike completed his Closed Circuit Rebreather course and is keen to see how the sharks will react to him now he won't blow any bubbles!

As an avid skin and scuba diver, Morné has developed an extensive knowledge of diving and interacting with marine life. This combined with his involvement within the Cage Diving Industry makes him the perfect divemaster to guide you through your Cage Diving experience. Morné's refreshing and fun character will make your day unforgettable and most enjoyable...

Frank has spent his life on the ocean, from Kwa-Zulu Natal to the Western Cape.
Beginning as a fisherman, he gained considerable experience and knowledge of the ocean.
Frank has also been involved in the white shark cage diving industry in Gansbaai since its early days, giving him a wealth of experience.