The morphology of the seabed in the Guanahacabibes National Park features a fascinating landscape formed by vast expanses of white sands and unique rock formations known as cabezos or mogotes. However, the most impressive features are the extensive dark blue coloured cliffs and the variety of caves, caverns and tunnels, with their vestiges of times gone by.
The marine fauna includes typical species such as barracudas, parrot fish, lobsters, green morays, groupers, red porgies, angel sharks and crabs. The vegetation features a rich variety of gorgonians– Acroporas, Madrasis, Oculina, Diploria and Scolima – as well as vast and beautiful colonies of Black Coral which carpet the cliffs. With its crystalline waters which permit a visibility of up to 30 meters at depths of 25 to 30 meters, the seabed offers sharp contrasts
which are ideal for underwater photography. This will be the setting for the IMASUB 2013 underwater photography competition which is open to photographers from any
country. The only entry requirement is to comply with the event's regulations.

Categories:
FAUNA: It´s possible to include different species such as: invertebrates, marine mammals, turtles, birds, etc. Photos half water – half land are allowed in this category.
MACRO: Images obtained from 1:1 scale increasing the reality 10 times.
SCENERY: Photo featuring underwater flora and fauna.
SCENERY WITH MODEL: Photo capturing the beauty of the underwater scenery with a model or diver. It´s possible to include any external element for artistic photos.

Registration:
There is no registration fee. Competitors must be certified as being members of diving clubs which are associated with the RSTC. They must possess a valid medical certificate and fill in the responsibility waiver document provided to them at the start of the event.
Registrations must be submitted 30 days prior to the event.

Results: 13 prizes will be awarded. Three first prizes for each category and an overall prize for the best and most creative photograph. Any given competitor can win more than one prize. The overall winner will be awarded an original trophy and a three night stay for two people in Maria
la Gorda at half board with 5 dives per person.

INCLUDED SERVICES

Transfers on arrival and departure (collective inter-hotels transfer).
Airport assistance.
2 nights in Havana: Breakfast included.
4 nights at Villa Maria la Gorda (3*) with full board: accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
1 Immersion of recognition
4 competition dives.
1 optional immersion (free).
Each dive included: boat, bottles, ballast and instructor.

Optional immersions (payment in María la Gorda): 20.00 CUC daytime immersions and 25.00 CUC evening immersions.
The customer must pay (before the service) 50.00 CUC per pax in case of private. Transfer Havana- María la Gorda.

RULES AND CONDITIONS

Each participant can select up to three Divers must use SCUBA diving (3) photos per category.
All entrants will shoot photos in four designated diving sites. used.
All digital cameras must be sealed. The Organizing Committee will right to reject cameras or housings which could be manipulated.
The photos shall not be subject to any form of modification or manipulation which cannot be performed by or JPEG images will be downloaded
from the sealed camera itself. from the memory card.
The use of lighting equipment, filters and masks is permitted.
Divers must use SCUBA diving equipment. Pressure and depth gauges and stabilizing jackets must be used. Taking photos whilst apnoea diving is not permitted.
A maximum of 200 photographs can be taken, all of which must be in JPEG format, TIFF or RAW can also be conversion from both formats. Only JPEG images will be downloaded from the memory card.

PROGRAM

Day 1:10 th of June
Reception. Accommodation and dinner in a hotel in Havana. Free time in evening.
Day 2: 11 th of June
Transfer to Maria la Gorda. Reception with welcoming cocktail. Accreditation, accommodation and lunch. Technical briefing. Immersion of recognition. Inauguration dinner.
Day 3:12 th of June
2 competition dives in the morning. Lunch. Free immersion in the afternoon. Optional tour (Sunset by Catamaran). Dinner. Optional night dive (minimum 5 persons).
Day 4:13 th of June
2 competition dives in the morning. Lunch. Dinner. Masterly lecture. Optional night dive (minimum 5 persons). Dinner.
Day 5: 14 th of June
Selection of photographs to be given to the judges. Optional tour (maritime excursion by Catamaran, includes an immersion and snack on board), return to María la Gorda. Lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Farewell dinner. Award ceremony with screening of the 10 best photographs.