Here is a list of some popular underwater photography competitions that typically take place each year, along with their usual deadline dates.

Please note that competition dates and deadlines may vary from year to year, so it’s advisable to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information:

Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) Competition
   – Deadline: Typically in January/February.
   – Website: Underwater Photographer of the Year

 DPG Masters Underwater Photo Competition
   – Deadline: Usually in December.
   – Website: DPG Masters

Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition
   – Deadline: Usually in November/December.
   – Website: Ocean Art Photo Competition 

Scuba Diving Magazine’s Through Your Lens Photo Contest
   – Deadline: Typically in July.
   – Website: Scuba Diving Magazine 

Siena International Photo Awards (SIPA)
   – Deadline: Typically in April/May.
   – Website: Siena International Photo Awards 

CUPOTY – Close-up Photographer of the Year
   – Deadline: Usually in September.
   – Website: CUPOTY 

Underwater Photo Marathon
   – Deadline: Typically in August.
   – Website: Underwater Photo Marathon (this is their Instagram account – website only active when competition is running)

CMAS World Championship of Underwater Photography
   – Deadline: May (for participating teams), final entries vary.
   – Website: CMAS Underwater Photography

Search for Atlantis – Ocean Exploration and Imaging Contest
   – Deadline: Typically in July.
   – Website: Arranged by OrcaTorch – watch out on social media

Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year (OG POTY)
   – Deadline: Usually in December.
   – Website: OG Pictures of the Year

 Africa Geographic Photography Competitions
   – Various competitions throughout the year.
   – Website: Africa Geographic Photo Competitions

 ADEX Voice of the Ocean Photography and Video Competitions
   – Deadline: Typically in September.
   – Website: ADEX Voice of the Ocean

 World Shootout – Underwater Photo and Video Competition
   – Deadline: Usually in November.
   – Website: World Shootout 

African Photographer of the Year
    – Deadline: Usually in December.
    – Website: African Photographer of the Year

South African Photographer of the Year
    – Deadline: Usually in December.
    – Website: South African Photographer of the Year

Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY)
    – Deadline: Typically in October.
    – Website: TPOTY

 Nature Photographer of the Year (NPOY)
    – Deadline: Typically in November.
    – Website: NPOY 

Please remember that the provided deadlines are approximate and may change from year to year, so it’s essential to verify the current submission deadlines, rules, and other details on the respective competition websites. Participating in these contests can be a great way to showcase your underwater photography and gain recognition for your work.

I’ve served as a judge on a number of these top competitions and have written a blog post “Winning Strategies for Underwater Photo Competitions”  from a judge’s point of view on how to shoot for competitions, select images and submit the right images to maximise your success.

I also offer 1-1 consulting to help you choose the right photos. Please contact me to arrange a Zoom call to go through your propose entries. I’d love to help you!