Aren't you afraid of sharks?

At Duck Dive Marine Services, we get asked this a lot. Whether we’re cleaning hulls under superyachts at Southport Yacht Club, inspecting anodes in Coomera, or retrieving lost items near Byron Bay, the question always comes with that wide-eyed look of concern.

And it’s fair enough. The ocean is wild, and sharks are a real part of it — especially in places like the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast, where sightings are fairly common.

But here’s the truth: We’re not fearless. We’re prepared. And a big part of that preparation is using professional-grade shark deterrents

— like the SharkShield Ocean Guardian Freedom 7.

Let’s talk about shark safety, myth vs. reality, and how technology gives modern divers peace of mind beneath the surface.

When you think of sharks, you might picture open-water surfers or spearfishers far offshore. But what about divers working in marinas or underneath boats?

While shark attacks in marinas or boat moorings are extremely rare, hull divers operate in low-visibility, high-activity areas, which makes it sensible to take precautions. Factors like blood in the water (from fish cleaning), nearby baitfish, or murky estuarine waters (like the Coomera River) can increase risk — however slight it may be.

Professional divers working underwater for extended periods — especially near river mouths or channels — benefit from tools that reduce the chances of a close encounter.

How the SharkShield Ocean Guardian Freedom 7 Works

Enter the Ocean Guardian Freedom 7, one of the most trusted shark deterrent devices on the market. It’s not just a gadget — it’s serious safety tech backed by science.

🔹 Key Features:

• Electrical Field Technology: Emits a low-frequency electrical field that overstimulates a shark’s highly sensitive electroreceptors, causing discomfort and making them turn away — without harming the animal.

• Proven Deterrence Range: Up to 6 meters wide and 4 meters deep protection field. That’s significant coverage for a diver cleaning the hull of a 50-foot cruiser.

• Rechargeable Battery: 6+ hours of continuous protection — perfect for long jobs under multiple boats.

• Durable Build: Designed to withstand the rigors of commercial diving, including knocks against props and hulls.

• Trusted Globally: Used by Navy divers, scientists, and adventurers worldwide.

Unlike shark nets or spotters, the SharkShield gives immediate, personal protection. Once activated, you’ve got a force field between you and anything curious that might be swimming nearby.

Sharks are part of the marine ecosystem — not something to be feared, but respected. At Duck Dive Marine Services, we take every step to ensure our divers are safe, professional, and equipped with the best tools available.

By using tech like the Ocean Guardian Freedom 7, we ensure our team can work confidently beneath your boat — whether we’re removing barnacles, replacing anodes, or retrieving that expensive fishing rod that went overboard.