The winner: Divevolk: SeaLink Underwater Smartphone Data Transmitter (INNOVATION), Hannes Jaenicke (CLIMATE), Französisch-Polynesien (DESTINATION), Garmin: Descent S1 (PRODUCT) und Antonio Cressi (PERSONALITY) im Dive Center ausgezeichnet
On Friday, 23 January, the diving industry took centre stage at the Dive Centre in Hall 12: numerous guests, industry experts and personalities from the scene gathered for the festive presentation of the 4th boot dive awards, sponsored by BAUER KOMPRESSOREN. The announcement of the winners was eagerly awaited, as top-class companies, innovative projects, deserving personalities and regions from the world of diving had the chance to win the coveted award in each category. The evening was expertly hosted by experienced presenters Anna von Boetticher and Jan Schulte.
A renowned expert jury, consisting of the editors-in-chief of the diving media PLONGEZ!, TAUCHEN, taucher.net, VDSTsporttaucher and WETNOTES, and by public voting determined the winners Divevolk: SeaLink Underwater Smartphone Data Transmitter (INNOVATION), Hannes Jaenicke (CLIMATE), Französisch-Polynesien (DESTINATION), Garmin: Descent S1 (PRODUCT) and Antonio Cressi (PERSONALITY).
boot Director Petros Michelidakis honored the award winners and the participants of the public voting with moving words. His message: today, the international diving community stands not only for technological innovation but, above all, for active marine conservation. “The awarded projects impressively demonstrate how powerful and forward-looking this community is,” emphasized Michelidakis. “This is not about stagnation, but about the determined will to preserve our oceans.” The diving industry is not only developing new equipment and concepts but is increasingly taking responsibility for fragile ecosystems, endangered species, and the future of the underwater world.
For divers, the sea is far more than just a travel destination. It is a habitat, a source of inspiration, and a commitment all at once. The protection of waters, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity is deeply rooted in their identity. Many initiatives recognized at boot combine innovation with concrete actions: from sustainable technology and educational work to active conservation projects on site. “It fills me with great enthusiasm to welcome this visionary community here at boot in our diving halls,” Michelidakis continued. “It shows that economic development and ecological responsibility do not have to be contradictory. Today, the diving community is one of the strongest voices for ocean protection – and thus for the protection of our planet.”
By honoring these projects and highlighting the community’s strong commitment, boot 2026 underlines its role as an international platform for innovation, sustainability, and responsible interaction with nature. The trade fair sends a clear message: the future of water sports and diving lies in preserving what connects us all – the oceans of our planet.
The winners in the five award categories of the dive award - powered by BAUER KOMPRESSOREN:
INNOVATION says a lot about the future viability of an industry. In this category, we celebrate people, companies, and initiatives that make a special contribution to the sustainability of the diving industry, its foundations and resources. Where are the concepts and projects that make the diving industry fit for the future? Where are the ideas that are shaping the world of tomorrow with a fresh wind and forward-looking energy?
Divevolk: SeaLink Underwater Smartphone Data Transmitter:
In the past, ordinary divers had almost no way to access the internet underwater unless they relied on expensive and specialized equipment to establish an underwater network. SeaLink changes that by using its innovative SeaTouch full-touchscreen underwater smartphone housing, which allows divers to freely use various mobile apps underwater. When combined with the SeaLink date transmission device, it enables real-time communication between divers and the surface, the shore, or even anyone across the global internet. This means that activities such as making calls, live streaming, or instant communication for everyday divers, completely breaking down communication barriers in traditional diving scenarios. When every diver can easily access the internet underwater, the potential applications are limitless — such as developing AI-powered innovations for marine research, educational outreach, and ocean conservation, opening up endless possibilities for the diving community.
In the CLIMATE section, everything revolves around projects and initiatives that are advancing in a special way toward climate protection and climate neutrality. For example, scientists, lobbyists and environmental organizations can be nominated - in short, anyone whose work or project is dedicated to the health of our oceans and the life in them. Because climate change is the greatest threat to oceans and waters.
Hannes Jaenicke: actor and environmentalist: The actor and environmentalist Hannes Jaenicke has been working tirelessly for many years to promote better treatment of the environment. Through his Pelorus Jack Foundation, Hannes supports people and organizations who are fighting on the front lines, often risking their lives, to preserve nature. Since 2008, ZDF has been broadcasting the documentary series “Hannes Jaenicke im Einsatz...”, which focuses on environmental issues. Hannes Jaenicke has also regularly addressed maritime issues. Over the years, reports have been published on sharks, dolphins, salmon, sea turtles, and - currently in 2025 - “Hannes Jaenicke im Einsatz für den Oktopus”.
Like hardly any other watersport, diving is closely linked to the topic of travel. The DESTINATION category is therefore dedicated to tourist aspects. Divers set off all over the world to explore the wonders of the underwater world. In this category you can find destinations and tourist offers that are especially well adapted to divers. Destinations and regions as a whole as well as individual hotels, dive centers or liveaboards can apply.
French Polynesia: French Polynesia is considered one of the world’s most sought-after diving destinations, captivating visitors with an extraordinary variety of underwater landscapes. The more than 100 islands and atolls in the South Pacific offer spectacular coral reefs, crystal-clear water, and an impressive diversity of species. Divers encounter large marine animals such as sharks, manta rays, and turtles, as well as colourful reef fish and unique macro creatures. The islands of Rangiroa, Fakarava, and Bora Bora are especially renowned, with their lagoons and steep walls providing unforgettable experiences for both beginners and advanced divers. Underwater visibility is often excellent, and water temperatures remain pleasantly warm throughout the year. Alongside diving, Polynesian culture, stunning beaches, and luxurious resorts invite visitors to enjoy their stay to the fullest. French Polynesia is therefore a paradise for divers seeking adventure, diversity, and exoticism.
The PRODUCT category is all about equipment and technology. It doesn't necessarily have to be the biggest, fastest or most expensive piece of equipment that makes life easier for divers. Maybe the clever trick is in the detail? Or in a new type of material that has never existed before? Or in the fact that a proven product can now be manufactured in a particularly environmentally friendly way using new technologies?
Garmin: Descent S1 Buoy: Connected Products for connected Divers. When the Garmin Descent S1 Buoy is paired with the T2 Transceiver and the Dive App, the crew on deck can track up to eight divers with compatible dive computers, viewing tank pressure, depth, and distance in real time. In addition, messages can be sent to submerged individuals to provide important instructions or recall notices. The buoy extends diver-to-diver communication range up to 100 meters, and divers can check their distance and direction back to the buoy at any time.
The category PERSONALITY is about people. Here, outstanding athletes, underwater and nature filmmakers or people from other fields are honored who have rendered outstanding public service to diving, the diving industry and the oceans.
Antonio Cressi: Antonio Cressi took over the family business, founded in 1946, at the age of just 17 – at a time when diving equipment was still made by hand, with passion and courage rather than regulations and standards. After the brothers Egidio and Nanni Cressi, who realised the dream of making the sea accessible and experienceable for everyone, Antonio carried this dream into the future. With his instinct for new technologies and his love of the sea, he decisively advanced the development and industrialisation of fins, masks, regulators and jackets, thus laying the foundation for the modern diving industry. To this day, he spends almost every day in the factory in Genoa, where he looks after employees, customers and divers as if they were his own family. Antonio does not manufacture products merely for profit – the safety of every single diver is his top priority. Passion, innovation and responsibility continue to shape the heart of Cressi to this day. For decades, Antonio Cressi has helped to make diving equipment affordable and safe.
