Hans Hass Award
The Hans Hass Fifty Fathoms Award was founded in 2002 by Leslie Leaney of the Historical Diving Society in the United States. It is awarded in recognition of contribution to the advancement of our knowledge of the ocean. The award consists of a personalized Fifty Fathoms watch together with a framed cast bronze plaque, designed by ocean artist Wyland, which depicts Hans Hass wearing an oxygen rebreather during his solo 1949 Red Sea expedition. Criteria. The criteria for nomination requires that individuals or organisations who, in the spirit of Hans Hass’ pioneering work in the fields of  underwater science, technology, arts and literature, have excelled at an international level in any of those fields. It is presented by the Historical Diving Society and since 2013 has been sponsored by the Swiss watch manufacturer Blancpain. Award Winners. Source: Hans Hass Institute