Mark Tozer

Come rain or shine, Mark Tozer embarks on his daily coastal stroll along the enchanting South Australian shorelines, immersing himself in the splendor of his aquatic sanctuary. His affinity for the ocean finds its roots in his childhood in Birkenhead, South Australia, where weekends were devoted to snorkeling with his father at Semaphore beaches, exploring seagrass beds, and marveling at the wonders of marine life.

Beyond his love for diving and the ocean, Mark dons various hats. As the owner/operator of a substantial commercial furniture factory in Lonsdale and an iconic retail furniture store in Mile End and the Northern Territory—employing over 80 Australians—he seamlessly intertwines business acumen with a profound commitment to community welfare.

In 2013, Mark established “Dive for Cancer”, a charitable initiative that transcends Australian borders, supporting the global fight against cancer through contributions to the Cancer Council. With a diving history dating back to 1987 and an impressive 7000+ logged dives, Mark is an accomplished technical diver with extensive experience in deep diving, mixed gas, and rebreather technology, emphasizing safe and efficient underwater exploration. His expertise spans everything from open circuit diving to advanced closed-circuit rebreathers, allowing him to reach depths and wrecks that remain inaccessible to many.

Mark’s academic journey brought him to Charles Darwin University in 1991, where he delved into Building Design and Engineering before making the pivotal decision to relocate to the Northern Territory. His exploratory dives around Darwin Harbour fueled his passion for discovering WWII shipwrecks and relics from the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy in 1974. This passion for maritime history and underwater archaeology has led him to investigate some of the most mysterious shipwrecks across Australian waters.

Venturing beyond Australia, Mark has explored some of the most significant wreck diving sites in the world, including Truk Lagoon, the SS President Coolidge, the Solomon Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and Santo, focusing on historical deep-water wrecks. His technical diving expertise enables him to document and study these sites in ways that preserve their history for future generations.

Mark’s fascination with sharks, ignited by the USS Indianapolis story, evolved into a lifelong friendship with South Australian icon Rodney Fox. In collaboration with Rodney’s son Andrew, they co-own Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions, with a mission to foster shark appreciation through research and education. The expeditions bring divers face-to-face with great white sharks in a safe and ethical manner while advancing scientific understanding of these apex predators.

Mark Tozer diving in Komodo with Dr Silvia EarleIn 2019, Mark’s dedication to marine conservation and education materialized in the form of the “Rodney Fox and Mark Tozer Marine Conservation and Research Centre.” This passion project showcases an extensive collection of vintage and historical diving equipment, exhibits on sharks and sea creatures, and interactive displays designed to inspire ocean conservation. The centre not only educates visitors on the evolution of diving technology but also highlights the importance of marine conservation efforts through compelling exhibits and hands-on learning experiences.

Adding another accolade in 2022, Mark assumed the role of Director at “Sharks and Rays Australia (SARA),” an organization committed to conservation through science and public outreach. His involvement underscores his dedication to protecting misunderstood marine species such as sawfish, rays, and various species of sharks.

Mark Tozer’s journey is a testament to his profound love for the ocean, unwavering commitment to conservation, and passion for technical diving and education. Through his leadership in shark conservation, shipwreck exploration, and marine research, he continues to inspire future generations of divers, scientists, and conservationists, ensuring that the ocean’s mysteries remain preserved for years to come.