1. OBJECTIVES
1.1 To promote and support the growth of Thailand’s scuba diving and underwater tourism industry.
1.2 To showcase the natural beauty and significance of Thailand’s water and underwater destinations through photography and videography.
1.3 To provide an open platform for underwater photography and videography enthusiasts at all levels to demonstrate their skills and creativity.
1.4 To foster public awareness and appreciation of the importance of underwater ecosystem conservation and responsible diving practices.
1.5 To encourage ethical conduct and professional responsibility among underwater photographers and videographers in portraying the beauty of nature with integrity and without causing harm to underwater ecosystems.

2. CATEGORIES
2.1 Talay Thai Award
A special award dedicated to underwater photography captured within Thailand’s waters only, showcasing the beauty, diversity, and conservation value of Thai marine ecosystems.

2.2 Underwater Animal Portrait
Images that emphasize the underwater animal(s) as the main subject, focusing on character, detail, or behavior of the animal. Entries may be captured in any body of water worldwide.

2.3 Underwater Animal in Their Environment
Images that portray underwater animals within their natural habitats, emphasizing the ecological relationships between the subject and its surrounding environment. Entries may be captured in any body of water worldwide.

2.4 Human and Underwater Nature
Images that feature humans underwater or depict the relationship and coexistence between humans and the underwater world. Entries may be captured in any body of water worldwide.

2.5 Underwater Moment Video Contest
A category for short underwater videos that capture special, emotional, or powerful underwater moments. Videos may be filmed in either horizontal or vertical format. Entries may be captured in any body of water worldwide.

2.6 Special Awards
2.6.1 Best Compact presented by AOI
Awarded to the best underwater image —from the categories 2.1-2.4— captured using a compact or fixed-lens camera, including action cameras.

2.6.2 Best Action Presented by Insta360
Awarded to the best underwater video —from Category 2.5— captured using an Insta360 camera.

3. ELIGIBILITY
3.1 The contest is open to all underwater photographers and videographers, regardless of age, nationality, or professional status.

3.2 Employees of N.C.C. Management & Development Co., Ltd., members of the judging panel, and persons directly involved in organizing or managing the contest are not eligible to participate.

3.3 All submitted works must be captured solely by the entrant. Submissions of works taken by others or submitted on behalf of another person are strictly prohibited.

3.4 All entries must be captured underwater.
3.4.1 For still images, split shots (half above and half below the surface) are permitted. However, aerial photographs taken by drones or images shot from land above the water surface are not allowed.
3.4.2 For videos, at least half of the total footage must be captured underwater. Split shots combining above- and underwater footage within the same frame shall be regarded as part of the underwater portion.

3.5 All works must have been captured within two (2) years prior to the submission deadline (i.e., after 20 April 2024).

3.6 Submitted works must NOT have received any awards from any competition prior to the submission deadline (20 April 2026). This includes images with compositions or frames that are substantially similar to any previously awarded work, such as images taken from the same shot, newly cropped versions, conversions from color to black and white, or images captured within the same burst or sequence.

3.7 Submission of entries constitutes the entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to comply with all terms and conditions set forth in this document.

4. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Number of Entries
4.1.1 Each entrant may submit up to five (5) photographs per category and five (5) videos per person.
4.1.2 If any entry by the same entrant wins more than one category, only one award—the highest-value prize— will be granted.

4.2 Photo Submission Format
4.2.1 Preliminary Round
- Files must be submitted in JPEG format with High Quality setting, color profile Adobe RGB (1998).
- The longer side of the image must be 1920 pixels, and the file size must not exceed 10 MB.
- Entries must not contain any watermark, photographer’s name, or any symbol identifying the owner of the image, nor any visible icon, label, or mark from editing software or applications.

4.2.2 Shortlisted Entries : Entrants whose works are shortlisted will be required to submit the following two (2) additional files:
A. High-Resolution File for Printing
- JPEG or TIFF file, 8-bit, color profile Adobe RGB (1998).
- The shorter side must be no less than 2000 pixels, and the file size must not exceed 500 MB.
- Color, image adjustments, and composition must be identical to the preliminary round submission.

B. Original File (RAW or Unedited Original File)
- The file must contain complete metadata.
- The judging panel may request additional frames taken immediately before and after the submitted image for verification purposes.

4.3 Video Submission
4.3.1 Videos must be uploaded to YouTube with visibility set to Public, and the option “Made for Kids” must be unchecked.
4.3.2 The YouTube link must be submitted through the official contest submission system.
4.3.3 Videos must have a duration between 15 and 60 seconds and a resolution of no less than Full HD (1920×1080). Both horizontal and vertical orientations are accepted.
4.3.4 Use of stock footage, CGI, or any footage not filmed by the entrant is strictly prohibited.
4.3.5 Entrants may submit either a single continuous clip or an edited video compilation. However, the use of any AI-based software to add, remove, or alter visual elements in the footage is strictly prohibited. Any violation will result in immediate disqualification.
4.3.6 Music and sound effects (if used) must be original to the entrant, or the entrant must have obtained proper authorization from the copyright holder for use and contest submission.

5. IMAGE ADJUSTMENT AND EDITING POLICY
5.1 The following adjustments are permitted within reasonable limits:
5.1.1 White balance, tone, brightness, contrast, and sharpening adjustments.
5.1.2 Minor color adjustments.
5.1.3 Dodging and burning, or conversion to black and white.
5.1.4 Removal of “backscatter” in water, provided such removal does not affect the main composition or subject of the image.
5.1.5 Cropping is allowed. The cropped image must retain at least 50% of the original frame area, and the full-size cropped image must have a short edge length no less than the requirement specified in Section 4.2.2 (A).

5.2 The following manipulations are strictly prohibited:
5.2.1 Addition or removal of any objects or living organisms within the image.
5.2.2 Double exposure, composite imagery, or other overlay techniques.
5.2.3 Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to generate, remove, or alter image elements in any way.
5.2.4 Any adjustments or manipulations beyond the scope of Section 5.1 shall be subject to the discretion of the judging panel.

6. ETHICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
6.1 All works must be created with respect for the underwater environment. Entrants must not harm, handle, or disturb any form of life either directly or indirectly.
6.2 Staging, feeding, or using trained or captive animals to obtain images is strictly prohibited.
6.3 Photography or videography conducted within restricted or protected areas (such as marine parks or conservation zones) that require special permission must be supported by valid authorization from the relevant authorities, and such documentation must be submitted along with the entry.
6.4 If the authorization documents are found to be falsified or not compliant with the laws of the country in which the work was captured, the organizer reserves the right to disqualify the entry without prior notice.
6.5 Any violation of the ethical rules stated in Sections 6.1–6.4 shall result in revocation of eligibility and forfeiture of all awards.

7. JUDGING CRITERIA AND PROCESS
7.1 Photo Judging Criteria
7.1.1 Composition (20%)
7.1.2 Technique (20%)
7.1.3 Image Story (20%)
7.1.4 Lighting (20%)
7.1.5 Impact (20%)

7.2 Video Judging Criteria
7.2.1 Aesthetic (40%)
7.2.2 Technique (20%)
7.2.3 Impact (20%)
7.2.4 Storytelling (10%)
7.2.5 Creativity (10%)

7.3 Judging Process
7.3.1 The judging panel shall conduct the first-round selection through an online judging system.
7.3.2 The panel shall evaluate the qualified entries based on the criteria outlined in Sections 7.1 and 7.2 via the same online system to determine the Shortlist, using an average scoring system. Shortlisted entrants will be required to submit high-resolution and RAW/original files for final verification.
7.3.3 The panel will convene to review the Shortlisted works from Section 7.3.2, select the Finalists, and determine the winners. The judging process shall include verification of RAW/original files prior to final decision.

8. COPYRIGHT AND USAGE RIGHTS
8.1 The copyright of each submitted work remains entirely with the creator (entrant).
8.2 N.C.C. Management & Development Co., Ltd., as the organizer, reserves the right to use any entry for the purposes of promoting the Thailand Dive Expo, including publication or display through print media, digital platforms, and partner channels, with proper credit given to the creator in all cases. No additional royalty or license fee shall be payable to the entrant.
8.3 The organizer shall not sell, distribute, or use any submitted or winning works for commercial or profit-making purposes without the written consent of the entrant.
8.4 If any entry is later found to infringe copyright or to have been obtained through improper or unethical means, the organizer reserves the right to revoke the award and reannounce the results without prior notice.

9. APPEAL AND FINAL DECISION
9.1 Entrants may submit a formal appeal or complaint regarding the judging results within three (3) days from the date of the Final List announcement.
9.2 The decision of the judging panel shall be final and binding in all respects.

10. GENERAL PROVISIONS
10.1 All submitted works must embody a concept of creativity or conservation, and must not cause any negative impact on any form of life or on underwater environments.
10.2 Submission of an entry shall be deemed as full acknowledgment, understanding, and acceptance of all terms and conditions set forth in this document.