Presented for excellence in overall design and/or construction of a small submarine.

George W. Kittredge is the designer of the K-250 and K-350 personal submarines often constructed by home-made enthusiasts. A retired US Navy Captain and author of the book 'I found Israel's Atom Bomb Factory', he founded Kittredge Industries and manufactured personal submersibles in the late 1970's and early 1980's from his home base in the state of Maine. Kittredge is often considered the father of modern day personal submersibles for the home-built enthusiast.

The Busby Award is presented for excellence in technical writing or documentation regarding the design, construction, or use of small submarines.

R. Frank Busby worked for the US Navy Oceanographic Office and is most notably known for his book entitled 'Manned Submersibles'. While employed by the US Navy, Busby participated in the Ben Franklin Gulf Stream drift along with five other researchers. In 1969, the Ben Franklin submerged to an average depth of 1,000 feet and drifted with the Gulf Stream from Florida to Nova Scotia, a total of over 1400 miles in 30 days. In the 1980's, Busby founded Busby Associates and performed research for various organizations.

The Link Award is presented for excellence in the design/construction of an innovative submersible component.

Edwin A. Link designed the first practical flight simulator for the Army Air Corps in the mid-1930's. In the 60's and early 70's, Link turned his attention to underwater archaeology and exploration. In 1971, he designed and built the Johnson Sea-Link at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and is credited for the design of many innovative components used to make research submersibles both practical and safe.

The Cousteau Award is presented for excellence contributing to underwater research, exploration, or discovery using a personal submersible.

Jacques-Yves Cousteau was a French naval officer, explorer, conservationist, filmmaker, innovator, scientist, photographer, author and researcher who studied the sea and all forms of life in water. He is perhaps best known for his American television series The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau which introduced millions of people to the secrets of the ocean.