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OZTek Awards

Celebrating the achievements and accomplishments of Australia's leading Divers and Dive Industry personnel - people who have helped push back the boundaries of knowledge and exploration, and whose efforts lead to the development and use of new diving technologies.

The presentation of the (usually) biennial OZTek Awards is a much-anticipated aspect of OZTek and the concluding Decompression Party. Deserving winners are nominated by the diving public and the final decision is made by the Award Panel from the information and number provided.

Industry Recognition Award Winner Gareth Lock - The Human Diver

Winner(s):

Gareth Lock

- The Human Diver

Industry Recognition Award

For Exceptional Contribution to the Growth and Development of Diving

2022 Nominees

  • Gareth Lock (Winner)
  • Rubens Monaco
  • Dr Ryan Duchatel

Previous Recipients are:

  • Rob Cason
  • Dr Simon Mitchell
  • Richard Nicholls
  • Barry Hallett
  • Tony Davis
  • Barry Andrewartha
  • Terry Cummins
  • Col McKenzie
  • Jayne Jenkins
  • Richard Taylor
  • Barry Hallett
  • Richard Evans
  • Jane Bowman
  • David Strike - 2019
  • Gareth Lock - 2022

Winner(s):

Mark Ryan

Outstanding Achievement Award

Recognition of deserving individuals whose achievements embody the spirit of diving advancement, adventure, and teamwork

2022 Nominees

  • Mark Ryan (Winner)
  • Yolly Bossiger
  • Vanessa Torres-Macho
  • Professor Julien Louys
  • Ryan Zaczkowski

Previous Recipients are:

  • Kevin Denlay
  • Ron Allum
  • Andrew Wight
  • Chris Brown
  • Dr Mark Spencer
  • Dr Richard Harris
  • Steve Trewavas
  • Mervyn Maher
  • Pete Mesley
  • John Dalla-Zuanna
  • Scott Willan - 2017
  • Mark Ryan - 2022

Winner(s):

Dave Moran

Barry Andrewartha
& Belinda Barnes

Media Excellence Award

For Ongoing Promotion of Ocean Awareness and the Diving Industry

Note: This award is only given in outstanding circumstances

2022 Nominees

  • Dave Moran (Winner)
  • Barry Andrewartha & Belinda Barnes (Winners)
  • John Garvin
  • Steve Lewis
  • Anthony Gordon
  • David Strike
  • Laurent Ballesta

Previous Recipients are:

  • Michael Menduno
  • Jill Heinerth
  • Richard Vevers
  • Matt Carter - 2019
  • Dave Moran - 2022
  • Barry Andrewartha & Belinda Barnes - 2022

Winner(s):

Keith Gordon

Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognition for a lifetime of dedication and passion in diving. Thank you!

2022 Nominees

  • Keith Gordon (Winner)
  • Rodney Fox
  • Mike Ball

Previous Recipients are:

  • Valerie Taylor
  • Keith Gordon - 2022

Winner(s):

Stephen Fordyce

Technical Diver of The Year Award

For Exceptional Contribution to the Growth and Development of Technical Diving

Previous Recipients are:

  • David Apperley
  • Paul Hosie
  • Trevor Jackson
  • Samir Alhafith
  • Craig Challen
  • Sandy Varin
  • Liam Allen
  • Lance Robb
  • Richard Harris
  • Ryan Kaczkowski - 2019
  • Stephen Fordyce - 2022
EMERGING EXPLORER AWARD winner Stephen Fordyce

Winner(s):

Stephen Fordyce

EMERGING EXPLORER AWARD

Acknowledgement of an up-and-coming diver for their contribution to exploration, research or training in the spirit of team work and community.

Not awarded in 2022

Previous Recipients are:

  • Tom Crisp
  • Stephen Fordyce - 2019