Awards and Honors

Award Program Details

Marine Technology Society Awards and Honors Program

MTS recognizes engineers, scientists, technologists, policy-makers, educators, and students who make a significant impact on the profession or in their community. Recipients will receive a recognition piece, coverage in an MTS publication, and/or at an event (live or in-person) depending on the nature of the award. 

Nomination Process

The nomination period for 2023 is now open! Please submit nominations by May 31, 2023 to be considered. 

About MTS Fellows

Designation as a Marine Technology Society Fellow is one of the highest accolades a member can achieve. Since 1975, this title had been awarded to MTS members who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the Society’s objectives and who have distinguished accomplishments and experience in their professional fields.

About Honorary Members

This honor is bestowed upon unanimous approval of the Board, to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the marine community and who have, through service to the community, acted in consonance with the objectives of the Society.

Learn About Our Awards...

Compass Distinguished Achievement Award

Presented to any individual who has sustained a career marked by achievements that have had significant impact on the fields of marine science and technology; open to those from any country or territory. MTS Membership not required. Recipient will receive a plaque recognition piece and a lifetime membership to MTS. 

Review Nomination Requirements and Instructions
Submit a nomination

Compass Organizational Excellence Award

Presented to a company, government agency, program, or non-profit organization for outstanding contributions to the advancement of marine science and technology; open to those from any country or territory. MTS Membership not required. Recipient will receive a plaque recognition piece. 

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 Submit a nomination

John P. Craven Mentor Award

Presented to any established MTS Mentor invoking the long and impactful career of John Pina Craven, this award is conferred upon an MTS member who has demonstrated outstanding and sustained service to the field of marine technology through mentoring; open to those from any country or territory. Recipient will receive a plaque recognition piece and a lifetime membership to MTS. 

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 Submit a nomination

Walter Munk Scholar Award and Commemorative Lecture

Oceanographer Walter Munk was renowned for his significant contributions to the study of oceanography, including: pioneering work on predicting wave and surf conditions, underwater sound propagation, internal waves, and development of acoustic tomography.

The Walter Munk Scholar Award is jointly sponsored and awarded by the Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans (WMFO) and the Marine Technology Society (MTS).  The Award is presented annually to a scholar currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or postdoctoral program. It recognizes their outstanding contributions in areas fostered by the sponsoring organizations. Established in 2019, the Award honors Walter Munk’s legacy of daring exploration and discovery through ocean scientific and technology research, ocean education or ocean conservation; open to those from any country or territory. MTS Membership not required. Recipient will receive a plaque recognition piece. 

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 Submit a nomination

Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration

Awarded jointly by the Marine Technology Society and the Society for Underwater Technology, this awards recognizes outstanding, sustained, international contribution to the development, application, and propagation of marine technology toward the advancement of ocean exploration; open to those from any country or territory. Please note this is not a lifetime achievement award. 

Don Walsh (born November 2, 1931) is an American oceanographer, explorer, retired naval officer, and marine policy specialist. He and Jacques Piccard were aboard the bathyscaphe Trieste when it made a record descent into the Mariana Trench on January 23, 1960, the deepest point of the world’s oceans. MTS Membership not required. Self-nominations accepted. Recipient will received framed photographs of Captain Don Walsh, challenge coin and a lifetime membership to MTS. 

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Submit a nomination

  

Ocean News and Technology Early Career Ocean Professional Award

Presented to an individual within 10 years of their last degree or designation, who is an MTS member in good standing, who has shown leadership in MTS, and who works in a professional capacity in management, engineering or research and development in a marine technology field; open to those from any country or territory. Recipient will receive a plaque recognition peice, $1,000 honoraria and a 2-year membership to MTS. 

Review Nomination Requirements and Instructions
 Submit a nomination

MTS Fellow

Designation as a Marine Technology Society Fellow is one of the highest industry accolades. Since 1975, this title has been awarded to MTS members who’ve made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the Society’s objectives and who have distinguished accomplishments in their professional fields; open to those from any country or territory. Nominees must be a current MTS member, an MTS member in good standing for at least five years, and be sponsored by at least three MTS members in good standing. Please be sure to verify the membership status and contact information for all three sponsors prior to filling out the nomination form at link below. Recipients will receive a crystal recognition piece. View a list of MTS Fellows.

Review Nomination Requirements and Instructions
 Submit a nomination

MTS Special Commendation and Award

This Award is presented to an individual, group or organization in recognition of outstanding accomplishments leading to significant advances in marine affairs and/or fulfilling the objectives and missions of the Marine Technology Society. Special MTS commendations may include outstanding individual, section, committee, and student section contributions to the Society; open to those from any country or territory. Recipients will receive a plaque recognition piece. 

Review Nomination Requirements and Instructions
Submit a nomination