The Crew

Michael Rutzen is the owner of Shark Diving Unlimited, and he will make sure that your excursion to view, dive, photograph and film Great White Sharks remains in your memories and on your films forever.

His nephew, Morné Hardenberg, and co-worker on the boat will help Michael achieve your dreams.

The crew and team of Shark Diving Unlimited is the most experienced and the most professional team in the White Shark diving industry. Michael and Morné have thousands of hours of experience working, handling and diving with White Sharks, and whether you are a shark enthusiast or a professional filmmaker or photographer, you will get to see and immortalize your dreams.

Shark Diving Unlimited is totally independent of any other white shark diving company, and is run by Michael Rutzen.

Michael Rutzen
Michael Rutzen

Michael Rutzen has been a member of the White Shark Cage Diving fraternity since its inception. During this time he was at the forefront of developing and pioneering techniques that are now the backbone of the industry. Now with his own company, Michael again has the opportunity and freedom to stun you with his creativity and incredible ability to interact with these fantastic animals.

During the past several years, Michael worked with several professional film crews and stills photographers. The unique shots displayed in so many magazines, newspapers and documentaries around the world could for most not have been realised without the preparation and expertise of Michael.

Experience

Working in the Dyer Island area since 1990
Working with White Sharks since 1994
Opening White Shark jaws since 1997
Free diving with White Sharks since 1998
Shark breaching since 2000
Guiding several world reknowned still photographers and film crews

Qualifications

PADI Instructor
PADI First Aid Instructor
PADI Rebreather and Nitrox Speciality
Skipper Licence
Restricted Radiotelephone Operators Certificate (SBB & VHF)
NAUI Divemaster
FirstAid at Sea Medical Certificate
NAUI Speciality Diver Course - White Shark Ecology

Morné Hardenberg
Morné Hardenberg

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...

Experience

Working with White Sharks since 2000
Opening White Shark jaws since 2001
Free diving with White Sharks since 2002
Safety diver during free diving excursions
Guiding several world reknowned still photographers and film crews

Qualifications

Skipper Licence
PADI Divemaster
PADI Rebreather and Nitrox Speciality
FirstAid at Sea Medical Certificate

Ivan Rutzen
Ivan Rutzen

Ivan is the newest member of the team, and another of Michael’s nephews. Ivan has been working with white sharks since 2002. With a beautifully laid back nature and a natural understanding of the marine ecosystem, Ivan is a fantastic and confident divemaster who will make sure you see all the action.

Experience

Working with white sharks since 2002
Seal dive leader since 2003

Qualifications

NAUI Divemaster
NAUI Rebreather and Nitrox
SATOUR Guide

Jenna Cains
Jenna Cains

Jenna is a marine biologist who came from Scotland to work with white sharks in South Africa. She is a bridge between marine biology and conservation, and the general public. She writes for the local newspapers and was instrumental in the development of the White Shark Scientific Expedition.

Experience

Working with white sharks since 2001
Writer for Shark diving Unlimited since 2001
Developing Scientific Expeditions since 2002
Previous experience in cetaceans, wildlife management and elasmobranch physiology
Previously worked for white shark researcher Michael Scholl

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology, the University of St Andrews, UK
- PADI Openwater diver
First Aid

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