dive award - powered by BAUER Kompressoren

Initiative for a strong and sustainable diving industry

The boot dive award was launched at boot 2023. The aim is to recognize the international diving industry for special activities. Every year, five awards are presented in the categories Personality, Destination, Innovation, Product and Climate. At boot 2025, the boot dive award will receive friendly support from BAUER Kompressoren.

BAUER Kompressoren – main sponsor of the boot dive award 2025

The BAUER GROUP is represented internationally by 22 subsidiaries, over 350 sales partners and 600 service points. Since 1946, BAUER KOMPRESSOREN has made a name for itself worldwide as a compressed air company in compressor technology that stands for innovation and quality.

To the website of the main sponsor

A renowned expert jury, consisting of the editors-in-chief of the diving media divemaster, PLONGEZ!, TAUCHEN, taucher.net, VDSTsporttaucher and WETNOTES, will select three nominees per category from the applications. The winners of the boot dive award powered by BAUER Kompressoren will be determined by public voting and the final verdict of the expert jury and honored at boot Düsseldorf 2025 on Friday, January 24, 2025.

The five award categories are:

Personality:

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.

Nuno Sá

Project:
Award-winning underwater cameraman, specialized on big animals

Nuno Sá is a BAFTA awarded natural history cameraman and photographer, specialized in marine life, and a regular contributor for major wildlife series on channels such as BBC, Netflix or Disney channel.

Nuno published six books and has had images on display, in some of the world’s largest natural history museums, such as the London Natural History Museum and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, in Washington.
Since then, Nuno has worked regularly as a camera operator or director of photography. He has been working for many of the biggest international television channels, such as BBC, National Geographic Channel and Netflix.
In 2016 he was part of the underwater cinematographers’ team that produced the most iconic series about marine life, the BBC series – Blue Planet 2. Nuno has been awarded in 2018 with a BAFTA Award and a Panda Award for his work in this series.
He was also a cameraman for James Cameron´s series "Ocean explorers", presently on Disney + and also worked on the new Netflix series "Our Oceans" (narrated by Barack Obama). When he is not traveling around the world Nuno also produces documentaries for Portuguese TV as a way to increase awareness regarding the sealife of his home country, Portugal.

Country:
Portugal

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Sabine Kerkau

Project:
Founder of the Baltic Sea Heritage Rescue Project

CCR Full Trimix Expedition Wreck and Cave Diver, Women Divers Hall of Fame Member. Founder and Project Manager of the Baltic Sea Heritage Rescue Project.

Diving has been the most important thing in Sabine´s life for 38 years. She has been a participant and often organizer of worldwide wreck expeditions for over 20 years. On these expeditions and with her Baltic Sea Heritage Rescue Project and the Baltic Sea Nature and Heritage Protection Association e.V., she brings divers from all over the world together to fight for the protection of the Baltic Sea and its historically significant objects. She writes articles, gives lectures and tries to draw attention to the dangers that lurk beneath the water's surface for people and animals. In her work, it is always important for her to cooperate with divers from the countries in which her projects are active. The tasks include recovering ghost nets down to depths of 80 meters, documenting explosive ordnance and other environmental toxins that are dangerous to the sea.

Country:
Switzerland

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Dr. Steffen Scholz

Projekt:
Focus on the deep - sunken wrecks

As a passionate explorer, Dr. Steffen Scholz provides an insight into the depths of the oceans with his wreck underwater photography.

With a focus on the deep, Steffen Scholz is dedicated to documenting and exploring shipwrecks. As a photographer, he tries to bring the fascinating and often tragic history of wrecks from depths that are inaccessible to most people to the surface visually and thus make it possible for everyone to experience them. Steffen's central concern is to raise awareness for the protection of the oceans. Steffen Scholz wants to use this type of visualization to draw attention to the fragile world beneath the surface of the water, which is worth protecting. A strong team is essential for this. That is why Steffen Scholz encourages young technical divers in their development, shares his experience with them and prepares them for the challenges that complex technical dives require, especially on photographic missions. I involve them in my projects at an early stage and gradually introduce them to deep dives so that they can then take on the corresponding tasks.

Country:
Germany

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Product:

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?

Dynamicnord

Product:
Dry Suit RS-350

DYNAMICNORD offers a complete range of diving equipment for every underwater enthusiast.

The RS-350 drysuit is made from innovative, high quality ripstop material that is tear resistant and durable. Double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees and crotch and a smart cut for complete freedom of movement promise comfort and stability. Two leg pockets are fitted with the multi-purpose Molle system. The manufacturer of the RS-350 makes individual adjustments free of charge: Dynamicnord adjusts the boots to a different shoe size free of charge and makes changes to the neck and arm cuffs at its own service center in Germany. The drysuit is made in Europe (Poland), the RS-350 was designed and developed in Germany.

Country:
Germany

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Seayos

Product:
SEAYOS, the First Standalone GPS for Scuba Divers

SEAYOS is a versatile autonomous positioning device for professional and recreational divers offering positioning, cartography and communication functionalities.

With its patented concept, SEAYOS acquires satellite signals on the surface, while remaining at the bottom! A custom-made product available in several models to meet the needs of all divers with two main missions: enriching the experience of scuba divers while enhancing their safety & helping professional divers to carry out their missions. We value an environmentally-friendly production and carry a range of repairable and upgradable products made in France. SEAYOS main applications are: 1) Positioning: be guided (to entry point, positions recorded underwater or transferred from the PC interface) and carry out 3D position fixes (geodetic coordinates + depth). 2) Cartography: digital and cartographic processing (transfer to mapping tools) and recording of continuous routes. 3) Communication: diver-surface communication (data transfer + exchange of messages), monitoring the divers’ evolutions, and centralising data from several divers.

Country:
France

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Oceanreef GSM Cube 3

Product:
With the GSM CUBE3, no Mission is Out-of-Reach

GSM Cube 3: the most versatile underwater communication unit possible. Capable of communicating in three different ways: wireless, hard wired, VHF.

Introducing the GSM CUBE3, the most advanced and versatile underwater communication unit on the market. Designed for ultimate connectivity and flexibility, it enables divers to communicate seamlessly in three different modes: wireless, hardwired, and VHF radio. Engineered to adapt to any diving situation, the GSM CUBE3 is a permanent wireless unit that remains in constant receiving mode ensuring no signal is missed.
Need hands-free, full-duplex communication with the surface? Easily connect it to the ALPHA PRO X DIVERS land unit for cablebased communication, thanks to its six-pin waterproof connection that allows for quick switching between wireless and cable. The GSM CUBE3 can also connect to a separate unit, transforming into a VHF interface for clear surface radio communication. Whether underwater or on the surface, the GSM CUBE3 ensures you stay connected with unparalleled versatility.

Country:
Italy

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Destination:

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.

Gl. Ålbo Dive Resort

Project:
Danish Baltic Sea: Diving paradise on the Little Belt

Gl. Ålbo - a natural pearl on the Little Belt in the Danish Baltic Sea. A paradise for divers and everyone who loves the water.

Experience the Baltic Sea at perhaps Denmark's best diving destination! With the depth of the water, the current and the unique underwater fauna and flora of the Little Belt, Gl. Ålbo is one of the most interesting dive sites you will find in the Baltic Sea. Nowhere in Denmark is it deeper so close to land than at Gl. Ålbo. Maren's Hole is 86 meters deep and we love to tell the story of the ferrywoman Maren.
We are a regenerative tourism provider that is all about giving back to nature, restoring and strengthening the environment. It is our commitment to leave destinations better than we found them. We have a strong focus on eliminating marine litter and support the United Nations Global Goals.
In 2024, we are working with universities, the nature park and local authorities to create 3,000 cubic meters of rock reef in front of the campsite. If we win, we would like to use the prize money to fulfill a big wish: we want to enable live streams from the bottom of the Little Belt to tell more about our unique underwater nature.

Country:
Denmark

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Malta

Project:
Malta, Gozo and Comino - the diving paradise in the Mediterranean
The Maltese archipelago is one of the best diving destinations in the Mediterranean. A mild climate, short distances to the diving spots and excellent underwater visibility make Malta, Gozo and Comino an ideal destination for divers of all levels of experience almost all year round.
The underwater landscape around the islands fascinates with rocky bottoms, artificial reefs made of wrecks and a rich animal world: damselfish, octopus, rays and even dolphins or tuna can be found here. Historical wrecks, such as the 2,700-year-old Phoenician shipwreck, also offer an archaeological highlight. Projects such as the “Virtual Museum: Underwater Malta” also make these sites digitally accessible. Since 2019, the Cirkewwa Marine Park has been offering protected diving areas. There are more than 200 dive sites with caves, reefs and wrecks on the islands. Over 40 diving centers offer courses for beginners and advanced divers, from introductory diving to technical diving. Two decompression chambers ensure safety. The islands offer over 300 days of sunshine a year and water temperatures between 13 and 23 °C. The proximity to major European cities and direct flights from many German cities ensure excellent accessibility. With the Blue Flag award for clean beaches and an excellent price-performance ratio, Malta is a top address for divers.

Country:
Malta

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Wakatobi Dive Resort, Indonesia

Project:
A paradise for divers and a haven for nature conservation

Wakatobi is a luxury dive resort in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. World-class dives on miles of reefs directly from the beach or from a boat lead to spectacular underwater landscapes.

Away from the crowds and cities, with no other divers for at least 100 miles, Wakatobi combines the amenities of a 5-star resort with unspoiled nature: a combination that has earned it its reputation as one of the best resorts in the world.
Located on a small island in the heart of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, Wakatobi Dive Resort is a secluded oasis of relaxation that attracts divers and snorkelers from around the world to enjoy pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life and a touch of luxury. Wakatobi has received international recognition for its pioneering conservation programs and a new, state-of-the-art model that uses imaging, data analysis and artificial intelligence to assess and monitor the health of the ecosystem.

Country:
Indonesia

To the website

Climate:

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.

Better Oceans

Project:
Marine conservation meets water sports.

Not an organization. One platform. For marine conservationists, water sports enthusiasts, scientists. An unbeatable network in the fight for Better Oceans.

Better Oceans is a platform and network for everyone who loves the sea. In our online marine magazine and on Instagram, we report on the oceans, their inhabitants and the threats they face, open people's eyes with well-founded information and touch their senses with vivid images.
Our database presents marine conservation organizations in informative profiles. Interested parties can find out more about their work and decide which ones they would like to support. Those involved in marine conservation benefit from the exchange among themselves and our contacts with the public media.
In less than two years, 62 marine conservation actors have registered in our database and are using Better Oceans as a network and reach amplifier. As a partner of the UN Ocean Decade, Better Oceans is also in contact with 80 institutions from science, business and society.

Country:
Germany

To the website

MANTAHARI

Project:
You buy – we donate

MANTAHARI is committed to ocean protection - for cleaner oceans and more research and education on ocean plastic. Especially in Indonesia.

MANTAHARI tries to create win-win situations. All products are made from recycled/sustainable materials and after each financial year, 50% of the profits are donated to the partners in Indonesia, the Marine Megafauna Foundation. MANTAHARI founder and owner Tim Noack is particularly keen to support the local team financially, as "our Euro" can make an incredible amount possible in Indonesia. The MANTAHARI brand raises awareness of the issue of ocean pollution and has now enabled several careers in Indonesia, created role models and generated almost 70,000 dollars in donations. As the brand continues to grow, more and larger studies, research and education projects will be funded. This is only the beginning!

Country:
Germany

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Scubapro

Project:
Scubapro Everflex Yulex Dive

YULEX® dive: Plant-based foam made from FSC-certified natural rubber

For around two years now, Scubapro has been manufacturing its high-quality Everflex suits from YULEX® Dive Material, a new plant-based foam made from natural rubber. And with its durability, exceptional flexibility and outstanding thermal performance, the material has also proven itself in long-term use. All Everflex YULEX® dive suits feature the Pure Design concept, which also ensures maximum elasticity, comfort and freedom of movement. The rubber material is coated on the inside and outside with polyester material made from recycled plastic bottles. Scubapro is thus taking a further step towards making the range more sustainable step-by-step in the interests of our environment and our oceans.

Country:
Germany

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Innovation:

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?

Scubapro Seawing Supernova

Project:
One like no other: the customizable fin

The modular fin system from Scubapro enables individuality and flexibility in equal measure. Both in terms of color and function, the Seawing Supernova can be converted in a matter of seconds.

The Seawing Supernova from SCUBAPRO is the inaugural model in the modular fin system range. The separate foot section and fin blade system enables divers to be equipped at all times. Whether for a snorkeling tour, a drift dive or cruising on the reef: the perfect combination can be put together in no time at all. Or perhaps a tech dive, in which case the S-TEK fin blade can simply be attached to the foot section. The Supernova is the flexible companion of choice both in diving luggage, where the two-piece design takes up little space, and on trips with different requirements. Different color concepts can also be implemented with the new colorful fin blades - a real innovation that is completely new in the diving sector in this form and at this level.

Country:
Germany

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The Avelo System

Project:
Buoyancy control like a submarine

The Avelo System takes a new approach to buoyancy control in recreational diving. In contrast to a conventional buoyancy compensator (BCD), the Avelo System does not require an air bladder at all, but instead uses the addition or removal of water.

Conventional BCDs have an integrated air bladder into which air can be added or released from the air tank in order to ascend or descend. The Avelo System works completely differently. First of all, the Avelo system is balanced on the surface of the water and the rest of the diving equipment, especially the wetsuit, provides buoyancy: the diver floats on the surface of the water. If you want to descend, you activate the pump for 30 to 60 seconds: The water chamber of the system fills up, the buoyancy decreases and the diver sinks. As soon as the water is completely or partially drained from the water chambers, the buoyancy increases and the diver ascends. The main component of the Avelo System is the so-called Hydrotank, a scuba tank with a flexible inner bladder. The bladder contains compressed air (or another breathing gas) which is only used for breathing - not for buoyancy control as with a conventional BCD. The Avelo System is buoyant by adding or draining water.

Country:
United States

To the website

Cressi Aquawing Jacket

Project:
A versatile “Donut” Jacket for All Sizes

The innovative Modular Adjustment System allows quick and flexible adjustment for any body size and shape.

Wings and donuts have been part of the diving community for years. Among these, the so-called “donuts” (continuously round buoyancy bladder) are considered the most popular variant, even in recreational diving. They are lightweight, compact, and particularly streamlined. Even better, however, is not having to commit to a specific configuration when choosing a size – as there can often be up to two size differences between diving in a T-shirt and a dry suit!
Instead of working with tools and various harness configurations or even traveling with multiple BCDs, the AQUAWING offers the ability to adjust the size in no time, even with the gear already on your back. Thanks to this practical innovation, Cressi’s AQUAWINGs are even being used as rental equipment in dive centers, available in just one size for all guests.
The shoulder straps and back padding, made of breathable mesh material, increase comfort and make the material easier to dry. Additionally, the back padding features a special pocket at the bottom for a surface marker. A crotch strap completes the overall package.

Country:
Italy

To the website

How does the selection process work?

The winner will be selected in three phases from all complete applications received by the end of the application phase:

Phase 1: Our qualified jury selects 3 nominees per category from all applications.

Phase 2: Everyone can support their favorite by casting their vote in the public voting.

Phase 3: The jury selects the winners of the boot dive awards powered by BAUER Kompressoren, the public vote counts as one vote!

What is the selection process?

In selecting the winning projects, our expert jury uses the following criteria:

1. Effectiveness
The topic has the potential to have a clear and continuous impact in the sense of the respective category.

2. Participation
As many people as possible are integrated into and/or participate in the project.

3. Networking
The project motivates further actors and achieves the greatest possible impact.

Impressions from the award ceremony at boot Düsseldorf 2024

Copyright © Messe Düsseldorf | markenzeichen

Overview of the jury members

Dietmar W. Fuchs, Chefredakteur VDSTsporttaucher

Dr. Friedrich Naglschmid, Herausgeber und Chefredakteur divemaster

Nina Zschiesche, Chefredakteurin WETNOTES

Armin Süss & Herbert Gfrörer, Chefredakteure Taucher.Net

The jury

The top-class expert jury of the boot dive award consists of the editors-in-chief of the diving media divemaster, TAUCHEN, taucher.net, VDSTsporttaucher, WETNOTES and PLONGEZ!.

Alexander Kaßler, Editor in Chief TAUCHEN

Alexander Kaßler graduated from the Technical University of Munich with a degree in sports/media and communications science. After working in sports communications for Daimler AG and German sports television, he completed his traineeship as an editor at Olympia Verlag in Nuremberg. There he worked as an editor for the diving magazine "unterwasser" since 2005. In addition to various training and further education courses, including as a diving instructor and photographer, he took over as editor-in-chief of "unterwasser" in 2018. Since the merger of the two magazine titles "unterwasser" and "TAUCHEN" into Europe's largest commercial diving magazine "TAUCHEN" in 2020, he has presided over the title as responsible editor-in-chief.

Dietmar W. Fuchs, Editor in Chief VDSTsporttaucher

Dietmar W. Fuchs has been working as editor-in-chief for international diving magazines since September 1988. He is the founding editor-in-chief of the magazines "unterwasser" (Germany) and "Scuba Diving through the lens" (Singapore), as well as editor-in-chief and art director of "Edition Fifty Fathoms" (Switzerland), the only art magazine dedicated to underwater photography - for which he had the privilege of curating the first underwater photography exhibition at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in 2014 for "World Ocean Day".

In addition to studying communication science, Fuchs studied biology at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich and immediately took home an Honorable Mention in the Rolex Award for his thesis on "Breeding the Maritime Fencer Snail."
Somehow watches have stayed with him until today and he has become an expert on the history(s) of exclusive diving watches.

In the field of diving, Fuchs is only honorary editor-in-chief of the members' magazine of the Verband deutscher Sporttaucher e.v., The "VDSTsporttaucher" reaches a good 80,000 members in printed form by subscription, making it Europe's largest diving magazine, as well as co-editor-in-chief of the "divemaster".

In his former life, he worked for several years as a treasure diver in Puerto Rico and as a diving instructor and charter boat captain in the Windward Islands. In 1985, Fuchs founded "NAUI Germany" and spent the first years of Technical Diving alongside Bret Gilliam. Thanks to his friendship with Umberto Pelizzari, he brought the first apnea diving competitions to Germany in 1995, and just one year later, as team captain of the first German National Apnea Team, he won the bronze medal in the legendary AIDA World Cup. He also co-initiated the underwater, now SSI Dive Trophy. So no matter what topic he touches in diving, Fuchs knows pretty much what he is writing about or publishing.

Dr. Friedrich Naglschmid, Publisher and Editor in Chief divemaster

Dr. Friedrich Naglschmid, publisher and editor-in-chief of the trade magazine divemaster, has been connected to the world under water since his earliest youth. Even during his studies, Naglschmid, who is now a publisher, book author and editor of the diving magazine divemaster, was active as a journalist and campaigned actively for the protection of species and the environment. Since the 1970s, Naglschmid, who holds a doctorate in biology, has been committed to these goals on a voluntary basis, in addition to his professional activities in teaching and environmental education at the time. He was a co-founder of the Aktionsgemeinschaft Artenschutz and representative of the Cousteau petition in Germany, as well as a founding member of the Förderkreis Sporttauchen. From 1976 on, he was a member of the board of the German Scuba Divers Association, first as the first head of the department for research and environmental protection, then in 1986 as vice president and from 1996 to 2000 as president, shaping its development in the field of nature sports. Already in the 1980s he designed the first environmental guidelines for ecological and sustainable diving, "Manifestos against UW hunters, UW culture robbers, environmental destroyers and water polluters" and introduced the "Ten Golden Rules for Sport Divers". His motto to this day: "Dive like your shadow, leave no trace".

Nina Zschiesche, Editor in Chief WETNOTES

Nina Zschiesche, born in 1978, was already writing for the culture and theme pages of daily newspapers and magazines during her studies in philosophy and German language and literature. After a traineeship at the diving magazines "unterwasser" and "Sporttaucher," which were then based at the same publishing house, she worked for many years as an editor at "Sporttaucher. Since 2018, she has been editor-in-chief and part owner of the tech diving magazine WETNOTES. Diving is not only her professional passion, she also spends every free minute under water in her private life.

Armin Süss & Tina Gfrörer, Editors in Chief Taucher.Net

Armin Süss and Tina Gfrörer both have their origins in the IT industry. Since the end of the 90s, the passionate divers have been responsible for the development of Taucher.Net and developed the portal into the largest platform for diving in Europe. With a wide range of diving bases / safari ships experience database, equipment database including reviews, a highly frequented forum, buddy search, job exchange and other classified ads, as well as an online magazine and news section, the beginner to the experienced diver and all those interested in diving can find almost any desired information.

Dr Nicolas Barraqué, publication director of the French diving magazine PLONGEZ!

Nicolas Barraqué is publication director of the French diving magazine PLONGEZ! which he founded in 2015. At the age of 18, he volunteered to join the French Navy, which he left after 18 years of active service, including on the Dauphin and Emeraude submarines.
His company, Turtle Prod, founded in 2000, has developed over the years into a leading publishing house for topics relating to the underwater world. Nicola's innovative spirit and keen sense of technical progress have guided him: from the development of CD-ROMS for virtual diving (2000) and the invention of a technique for taking panoramic underwater photos (2006) to the use of augmented reality (2013) and the production of 360-degree videos (2021), he has constantly explored new technical and creative boundaries. In 2015, he founded the diving magazine PLONGEZ!, which he has managed ever since. In addition to his entrepreneurial activities, Nicolas is also passionate about the conservation and protection of the marine environment. He founded the association ‘Déclic Bleu Méditerranée’ (2003) and the international marine world festival GALATHEA (2015). As an underwater photographer, Nicolas has participated in many exhibitions and received more than 100 national and international awards. For his extensive commitment to the underwater world, he was awarded the Golden Trident of the International Academy of Underwater Science and Technology in 2021. For the underwater world, the Golden Trident is the equivalent of the prestigious Fields Medal in mathematics. In 60 years, only 18 Frenchmen have received this honour, the most prestigious being Jacques-Yves Cousteau.