I can't set up my own equipment without help at this point.
How did you get certified if you can't set up your own equipment?
Yes, vacation diving, usually someone does it for you- but that you -can't- tells me "no way" to a dive where the operator wants an advanced diver.
I also do not believe that someone who has done 30 dives is that much more experienced than someone who has done 10.
I only have 25, so I guess I have to wait 5 more to see, but I was a drastically different diver at the 20 mark than I was at the 10. The comfort in the water and with the equipment really grows. And 30 dives is still beginner territory.
I would not go on this dive (even if they'll let you- which I'm not sure since you don't meet the qualifications they are asking for) if you can't control your bouyancy and take care of yourself as an independent diver. Me personally, I wouldn't want my first deep dive to be a shark dive. I'd like to see how I respond to depth and possible narcosis before I have apex predetors around.