Shark Sensei
Diver education
SSI Tiger Shark Safety Diver
Take your tiger shark knowledge to a professional level and develop the skills to safely lead tiger shark dives.
- Price
- $2,900
- Duration
- Online theory + performance-based practical training · Plan with us in advance
- Level
- Professional · Divemaster + Tiger Shark Eco Diver
We confirm dates and payment with you directly, then open the course.
About this course
When you lead a dive with tiger sharks, your role changes. You are no longer simply observing — you are responsible for the divers around you, the environment, and how the encounter unfolds. Designed for Divemasters and Instructors, this professional-level course takes you deeper into tiger shark biology and behaviour while developing the skills needed to lead dives with large sharks. You’ll learn to read situations early, manage your positioning and group, and respond confidently when behaviour or conditions change — from redirection to emergency procedures. You’ll also learn how to bring conservation into your role as a professional guide. This is not about controlling the sharks. It is about understanding them, anticipating what may happen, and knowing how to respond. It is the step from being part of the group to being the person the group can rely on.
Syllabus
What the course covers
- 01Introduction5 lessons
- 02Course Overview and Performance Requirements11 lessons
- 03Understanding Tiger Sharks17 lessons
… and 5 more chapters · 73 lessons in all
Who teaches it
Your instructors
Francesca Gagliardi
Marine biologist with a Master’s degree in Marine Science and Climate Change, diving and free diving instructor, and co-founder of Shark Sensei. Combining scientific knowledge and years in the water to promote a more respectful relationship with the ocean.
Ibrahim Mohamed
Professional Shark Diver and PADI & SSI Scuba Instructor based in the Maldives, specialising in tiger shark diving in Fuvahmulah and creator of the SSI Tiger Shark Safety Diver course.
The school
Why train with us
Built from experience. Tested in the water. This course is taught by instructors who lead tiger shark dives in Fuvahmulah as part of their working week, with the scientific foundation shaped by marine biologists. The protocols and techniques you learn are based on what is actually used in the water. Training is kept to small groups so we can focus closely on each student’s progression, giving you the time, attention, and feedback needed to develop your skills properly. Certification is based on practical performance under direct instructor supervision. This is a course you have to learn by doing.
Answers
Common questions
No. You don’t need to be working with tiger sharks regularly. The course is also designed for dive professionals who are passionate about tiger shark diving and want to develop the specialised skills needed to lead these encounters.
The course is designed for certified SSI Divemasters and Instructors, or equivalent professionals, who want to develop the skills and judgement required to lead tiger shark dives.
Yes. The Tiger Shark Eco Diver certification is a prerequisite for the Safety Diver course and provides the foundation needed for the professional-level training.
Eco Diver is the foundation, focusing on tiger shark biology, behaviour, ecology, photo-ID, and conservation. Safety Diver is a professional-level course focused on applying that knowledge while leading and managing dives with tiger sharks.
The practical training includes a minimum of 5 confined water sessions and 25 open water dives in a tiger shark environment, with progression based on your performance and readiness throughout the course.
The theory is completed online at your own pace before the practical training. Once you enter the water, the time needed depends on your performance and progression, so there is no fixed number of days. Because every diver progresses differently, we recommend enquiring with us in advance so we can discuss your experience, plan the training together, and give you a realistic idea of the time you’ll need.
Yes. The practical training gives you the opportunity to apply your skills in real tiger shark diving conditions under direct instructor supervision.
The course is designed around learning and progression. Your instructor will provide feedback throughout the training, helping you understand what needs to improve before you move on to the next stage.
No. Certification is based on meeting the required performance standards. You must demonstrate the necessary skills and judgement under instructor supervision before certification is awarded.
Enrolment
Ready to start?
Tell us when you are in Fuvahmulah and we will confirm dates, price and payment with you. Your course opens as soon as that is arranged.
Get this course