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.
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
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
