Abano Terme, November 28th, 2017 - Stefano Paludetto won the final of MasterTrim 2017, the first international competition on buoyancy control in scuba diving, created by Salih Murat Egi, Senior Researcher at DAN Europe. An active DAN Member since 2013, Stefano lives in Italy and works as a diving instructor.

"MasterTrim represented a challenge, first and foremost to myself - said Stefano. Good trim is crucial, and as an instructor I try to deliver this message to my students since the very first dive".

The final was held last October 21st in the magnificent setting of Y-40 The Deep Joy, the world's deepest pool. The finalists, winners of the four qualifying rounds, were confronted in a challenge to the last breath, finally determining who among them could better master trim and buoyancy underwater. The divers made two dives, one during the day and another during the night. They were required to follow a precise dive profile created by DAN specialists, so all of them could measure their skills underwater. At the end of the two sessions, the dive profiles were analysed through the Diver Safety Guardian logbook, which calculated the final score on the basis of recorded data. Stefano ranked first, Simone Naegele and Simone Lusiani ranked second and third.

During the night dive, Y-40 staff used reflective materials, t-shirts and banners, as well as blacklights, to create stunning light effects and eery atmospheres.

Mastering buoyancy and trim means diving in a sustainable manner, and considering awareness and respect for the environment as a priority. This is why Green Bubbles, a European project dedicated to recreational diving, and whose aim is to maximise the benefits of diving and minimise their negative impacts as well as promote environmental sustainability, has decided to support MasterTrim.

"Maintaining a stable, horizontal position can help reduce fatigue and air consumption, learn new skills more easily and even protect the marine environment”, said Massimo Pieri, European Research Area Supervisor at DAN Europe. "DAN is committed to promoting dive safety, and MasterTrim is in line with DAN's mission. This is why we wanted to raise awareness and let other divers know about the advantages of proper buoyancy".

The contest had a total prize pool of €10,000, and was sponsored by Albatros Top Boat, International Kemer Underwater Days, Ocean Reef, Dive System-Ratio Computers, Diver Designers and Benny Free Shark. Prizes included diving cruises and trips, full face masks, dive computers, BCDs, dry bags, clothing and safety materials.

MasterTrim: Facts and Figures

• 87 days
• 58 divers
• 6 Countries
• 1237 minutes / total dive time
• 10.000 Euros prize pool
• 1 Winner