Niveau 1 / Open Water

Four dives over two days, for divers from age 12. The certification authorises supervised diving to 20 metres — enough to reach most of the main reef structures around Porquerolles and the shallower wrecks. The course covers three areas: autonomous equipment management, water comfort, and conduct within a dive group (palanquée).

Aquatic ease is explicitly the priority at this level. Dives are a minimum of 45 minutes each — longer than the industry standard for training dives — because the stated philosophy is that real skill comes from time underwater, not rushed exercises. Porquerolles' protected waters provide a reasonable training environment: moderate depth, good visibility on calm days, varied seabed.

Prerequisites are a prior baptism dive and a medical certificate attesting fitness to dive. Minors need written parental consent. The ANMP (French) or IANTD international certification is issued on completion at additional cost (€30 or €105 respectively).