There are four categories in the Print Competition:

British & Irish (images taken in UK and Irish waters) Overseas (images taken in overseas waters) Advanced British & Irish (images taken in UK and Irish waters by an Advanced entrant) Advanced Overseas (images taken in overseas waters by an Advanced entrant)

The Advanced categories are for anyone who has:

won a major national or international underwater photographic competition such as BSoUP’s Open Portfolio competition, Antibes, BUIF, U/W Photographer of the Year or Wildlife Photographer of the Year or takes or has taken underwater photographs for a living or is otherwise significantly involved in commercial underwater photography. Competitors who match one of the criteria above must enter the Advanced categories; all others may enter any of the categories. All short-listed prints will also be entered in the overall competition for the grand prize to be chosen by a panel of judges. Anyone who is uncertain whether they qualify as Advanced should consult the BSoUP Committee whose decision is final.

The British & Irish category is again being staged in association with The Wildlife Trusts (TWT), which is seeking UK marine images to support its marine activities on the theme 'Living Seas'. The winner will be selected by staff from TWT. The photographer of the images selected will be asked to allow his / her image to be used by the TWT in its work.