DuboisP
Contributor
there are 2 types of diving organizations in FranceDuboisP- do you know anything about the FFESSM? I've heard a lot of conflicted opinions about it. When I did swimming, I saw a group of them at the pool every week, and I admit I'm not particularly interested in swimming laps in a shallow pool an hour a week in scuba gear. I mean, I'd do it if I had to, but...
- commercial : you're a customer. you can follow training during short periods of time, from 4 days (Level 1) to a couple of weeks (Level 4, dive leader), and you can dive with. Commercial exist when there is a market, near Méditerranée, Atlantic sea or big lakes. Not a lot in north of France.
- non-profit : you're a member. training continue from sept-oct to may-june. often 1 or a couple of sessions each week, not mandatory (but needed to progress), in pool to do basic training and/or improve our physical condition, in deep pool (15-20 m) to do technical training. often have hardware to loan (bcs, regulators, suits, tanks)
i'm registered in a non-profit organization, also using commercial when travelling.
even during holidays, we have occasions to swim and dive
last thursday, i swam in a pond, and friday, went to the deep pool to review some technical, and also to refresh myself after a hot day.
after, go to the restaurant with the friends
it's generally recognized than be trained in a non-profit organization is better, because the training is longer.
Ok, "padi" drivers can be harshly received in non-profit organizations, some people are not open-minded about other training.
with your AOW, after your evaluation (checking what are your competencies), you will be able to be trained to the Level 2 (autonomy at 20m, supervised at 40m, deco diving, buddy assistance)
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