Grey Nurse Shark smiles at scuba diver off NSW coast in terrifying encounter

A scuba diver has shared footage of his terrifying encounter with a shark that swam past and 'smiled' at him.

Matt Prior was swimming in the water at South West Rock, on the mid north coast of NSW, when he came across the Grey Nurse Shark.

Mr Prior filmed his heart-stopping encounter along the bottom of the ocean floor.

A scuba diver has shared footage of his terrifying encounter with a shark that swam past and 'smiled' at him

The terrifying creature is seen slowly making its way towards the scuba diver.

It then opens its mouth before barring its razor sharp teeth and giving him a sideways glance as it swims past.

Mr Prior keeps his eyes on the creature as it passes him before swimming in the other direction. 

Grey Nurse Sharks are considered to be an endangered species due to mass killings by spear and line fishing.

They are commonly found in shallow inshore waters and live along the east and west coasts of Australia.

They can reach three metres in length and are known to be placid creatures.

They may have rows of sharp teeth and a terrifying pointed snout but they are not considered a threat to swimmers.

Matt Prior was swimming in the water at South West Rock, on the mid north coast of NSW, when he came across the Grey Nurse Shark