Useful links for divers

In short

This guide gathers reference websites, sorted by theme, with a one-line description for each. They are official or recognised sources: federations, training agencies, public authorities, health and science organisations. There are no commercial or affiliate links. Links are checked and dated at each update of the guide; let us know about any link that no longer works.

Why it matters

The internet is full of diving information of very uneven quality. For any question about regulations, health or safety, it is always better to go back to the source: the federation, the legal text, the medical organisation. These websites also help you prepare a trip, find a club or identify a species.

Federations and training agencies

These organisations issue certifications and publish their courses. They are listed alphabetically, with no ranking.

• ANMP: French national association of diving instructors, a network of French instructors and professional dive centres (in French).
• CMAS: World Underwater Federation, the international federation behind the "star" certifications.
• FFESSM: French Federation for Underwater Studies and Sports, courses, clubs, committees (technical, biology, medical…) (in French).
• FSGT: French workers' sports federation, which also offers diving (in French).
• PADI: Professional Association of Diving Instructors, an international training agency.
• SSI: Scuba Schools International, an international training agency.

Regulations

• French Sports Code on Légifrance: in France, articles A322-71 onwards regulate diving in dive centres (role of the dive supervisor, depth ranges, emergency equipment…) (in French).
• Licence and insurance: check with your federation or club for the cover included in the licence and for additional insurance (search, evacuation, hyperbaric treatment costs).

Health and safety

• DAN Europe: Divers Alert Network, an organisation dedicated to diver safety, offering specialised medical assistance, insurance and many prevention articles.
• DAN – Ears and diving: detailed explanations of ear equalization.
• DAN – Flying after diving: recommendations on waiting times before a flight.
• FFESSM medical committee: medical certificate, contraindications, list of federal doctors (in French).
• Maritime search and rescue: the role of the CROSS (French regional maritime rescue coordination centres) and how to contact them (in French).

Emergency numbers in France

Situation	Number
Emergency at sea	VHF channel 16 (preferred on board) or 196, free, 24/7
Emergency on land, throughout the European Union	112
Medical emergency (SAMU)	15

These numbers are valid as of the guide's update date. Abroad, ask for the local numbers at the briefing.

Environment and biology

• DORIS: a collaborative encyclopaedia of underwater fauna and flora, run by FFESSM volunteer divers (in French).
• INPN: French national natural heritage inventory of the National Museum of Natural History, species pages and protection status.
• OFB: French Biodiversity Agency, manager of many marine protected areas and marine nature parks (in French).
• Citizen science: federations' biology committees and marine protected areas run observation programmes open to divers; ask your club.

Weather and conditions

• SHOM – Tides: official tide times and heights for French ports.
• Météo-France – Marine weather: coastal bulletins and wind and swell forecasts (in French).

In the app

• Practical guides: the other guides (levels, safety, environment, types of diving) are linked at the bottom of this page.
• Species catalogue: identify the fish you photograph and browse species pages.
• Clubs and events: find a club, follow its news and its public events.

Key takeaways

• For regulations, health and safety, prefer official sources.
• Note the emergency numbers: VHF 16 or 196 at sea, 112 and 15 on land.
• Check the tide and weather before every outing.
• DORIS and the INPN are references for identifying species.

Further reading

The links in this guide are checked at every substantive update. If a link no longer works, or if you know an official resource that deserves to be listed, let us know in the comments.