Recreational Federal Training - French School FFESSM

The Centre d’Activité Plongée Port-Vendres is approved by the French Federation of Studies and Submarine Sports (FFESSM)

In Recreational Diving, we teach the fundamentals for diving comfortably and safely

recreational courses for adults (N1 to N3, PE40, PA20, PA40) and children from 8 years old, in the Mediterranean.

Level 1 starts at €450 (6 dives over 3 days); federation license not included. Medical certificate required

Here is a general description of the level cards commonly issued by the FFESSM :

  1. Level 1 (N1) Diver Certification – Supervised Diver to 20m 1-Star International Certification CMAS
    • The N1 card is issued to divers who have successfully completedssi 1 training.
    • She attests that the diver is capable of diving framed up to a depth of 20 meters
  2. Level 2 (N2) Diver Certification – Autonomous Diver 2-Star International Certification CMAS
    • The N2 card is awarded to divers who have successfully completed Level 2 training.
    • She certifies that the diver is able to dive independently up to 20 meters and up to 40 meters framed
  3. Level 3 (N3) Certification – Independent Deep Diver – International Certification: 3-Star CMAS
    • The N3 card is given to divers havingssi level 3 formation
    • She indicates that the diver can dive independently up to 60 meters
Centre d'Activité Plongée Port-Vendres - FFESSM diving training courses
French Federation of Submarine Studies and Sports: French School of Diving under Navy

Registration for any of our courses does not guarantee certification of a specific level.
Additional dives are sometimes required.

CAP CAP Port-Vendres offers quality diving equipment rental, suitable for all levels, for an optimal underwater experience.

FFESSM Adult Training Courses

Nurse level 1

450
  • + FFESSM license fees 65 € (-16 years old = 45 €)
  • 6 dives over 3 days + theory
  • From 12 years old + medical certificate

Framed diver 40m-PE40

300
  • + FFESSM license fees 65 € (-16 years old = 45 €)
  • 4 dives (1 day + 2 mornings) + theory
  • From 14 years old (*), n1 + medical certificate

Autonomous diver 20m-P20

520
  • + FFESSM license fees 65 € (-16 years old = 45 €)
  • 8 dives (4 days) + theory
  • From 16 years old, N1 + medical certificate

Autonomous diver 40m-PA40

550
  • + FFESSM license fees: € 65
  • + FFESSM certification fees: 25 €
  • 8 dives + theory
  • From 16 years old, N2 (PA20 + PE40) + medical certificate

Level 2 diver

650
  • + FFESSM license fees: € 65
  • + FFESSM certification fees: 25 €
  • 10 dives (5 days) + theory
  • From 16 years old, N1 + medical certificate

Level 3 diver

700
  • + FFESSM license fees: € 65
  • + FFESSM certification fees: 25 € + RIFA training Combo 150 € + RIFAP Certification 25 €
  • 10 dives (5 days) + theory
  • From 18 years old, N2 + medical certificate

Specializations and advanced training

Nitrox Base*

100
  • FFESSM or TDI
  • combined with another training € 70

Confirmed Nitrox *

360
  • FFESSM or TDI
  • combined with another training 150 €

Rifap (first aid)*

290
  • FFESSM
  • Combined with training 150 €

Technical diving

75
  • 1 upgrade or training diving

*Training only (dives + theory), excluding license and/or certification card

Federal children's training - French School FFESSM

Children's diving is for young people aged 8 to 12 and aims to introduce them to scuba diving safely.
We offer tailored training programs, such as the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Diver certifications, which teach children how to use fins, mask, and regulator to explore the underwater world.
These activities take place in natural environments, supervised by instructors from the Centre d’Activité Plongée Port-Vendres.

Scuba diving for childrenssiand parental authorization , after the try dive a medical certificate of no contraindication valid for 6 months to 1 year.

 FFESSM children's diving training from 8 years old

Children's training courses (8–12 years old)

Bronze diver*

210
  • 3 dives
  • From 8 years old

Silver diver*

280
  • 4 dives
  • From 8 years old

Golden diver*

350
  • 5 dives
  • From 10 years old

*Excluding license: training + theory + diploma + certification card (young license = € 45)

Frequently Asked Questions

Level 1: €450 excluding license, 6 dives over 3 days + theory, from age 12. Medical certificate required.

Yes. The FFESSM is a member of CMAS (World Underwater Federation), which brings together nearly 90 countries. The certification is generally issued with the equivalent CMAS card (1★, 2★, 3★). However, check the requirements of the dive center or the country of destination (insurance, depth, supervision).

No. It costs €65 (€45 for those under 16), in addition to the training fee.

Level 2 combines both qualifications (autonomous 20m and supervised 40m). They canssi be taken separately: PA20 €520, PE40 €300.

Yes. Bronze (€210), Silver (€280) and Gold (€350) Diver certifications are available for ages 8 and up (Gold for ages 10 and up). A youth license is an additional €45.

Scuba diving for childrenssiparental authorization. After the try dive , a medical certificate stating no contraindications is mandatory, valid for 6 months to 1 year depending on the child's age and the doctor's prescription. Bronze/Silver/Gold certifications are available from age 8 (Gold from age 10).

ssibut not during peak season; to be arranged with the dive center

We commit to a training program; the diploma depends on the validation of all required skills. Additional dives may be necessary.

No, the curriculum is designed for a progressivessiof skills

This is not recommended; gaining experience is essential for progressing between levels

Returns of experience & testimonies of divers

Posted on Google Google
JM profile picture
JM.
September 2, 2026
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FFESSM, Training Course
+0
The center is large and very well equipped, there are changing rooms, showers, toilets, everything is well organized, the staff are super friendly, and the diving spots are great!
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Cedric Pichon profile picture
Cedric Pichon
August 29, 2026
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Excellent diving club. The instructors are professional, the welcome is warm, and the facilities are well-suited to make life easier for divers.
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Massey Catherine profile picture
Catherine Massey
August 25, 2026
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The club is very close to the reserve, the facilities are super comfortable, and the staff are competent, kind, and welcoming. Don't change a thing!
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Gaetan Lepretre profile picture
Gaetan Lepretre
August 23, 2026
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FFESSM, Training Course
+0
Very nice club.
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Jean-Noël Labatut profile picture
Jean-Noël Labatut
August 23, 2026
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A fantastic experience with a top-notch, attentive team. Special thanks to Lorca, who was reassuring and a great teacher. The ideal team for a scuba diving try dive !
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Nicolas F profile picture
Nicolas F
August 22, 2026
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Weightless Immersion: Excellent! Try Dive this Saturday, August 22nd, with Jules and his team. It was simply magnificent. Jules knows how to convey his passionssihe's patient and attentive. And the whole team seems to be on the same wavelength. I'm going back as soon as possiblessiLevel 1!
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Flo Timothee profile picture
Flo Timothee
August 21, 2026
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A wonderful experience for my son, a fantastic team, and a great atmosphere. Thank you again!
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Nathalie Montanvert profile picture
Nathalie Montanvert
August 20, 2026
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Great try dive with Lorca yesterday morning. Reassuring, attentive, and veryssi. Saw lots of fish. Excellent spot. Goodssiwith the boat captain.
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Christelle Grocolas profile picture
Christelle Grocolas
August 15, 2026
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Excellent!ssicame with my son for a first dive and snorkeling excursion, and it was absolutely breathtaking. It was simply wow! The team is truly fantastic and incredibly friendly. I recommend it 100% and we'll be back next year for a course 😁 Best wishes and kisses from Alsace. See you next year! Christelle and Alvin
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Cathy Mecy profile picture
Cathy Mecy
August 15, 2026
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A superb experience. We did a mother-daughter try dive and everything was absolutely perfect. A huge thank you to Sarah, Tug, Nico, and Jules for their warm welcome, kindness, and guidance. A top-notch, reassuring, andssiteam who made this moment unforgettable. We loved sharing this experience together! I recommend it 100%!
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