Introduction to the course
To pass your Niveau 4 (dive guide), is putting another fin in the gears of your club investment. It can also be the door to becoming a professional.
The Niveau 4 is the first level that allows you to guide divers with a lower certification. You’ll understand that this isn’t just a recreational level but one where the individual qualities of the diver will be sought after, checked and improved to ensure the safety of others underwater.
All of this, at the right time, validated by a CTR (Regional Technical Commission) Sud exam.
This doesn’t alter the fact that you’ll be welcomed in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere by a team of serious professionals who put the accent on leisure and pleasure! Our goal is not to form special forces divers, but experienced divers who can transmit their passion in complete safety.
Prerequisites
- To want to do it.
- 18 years old minimum.
- Niveau 3 (PA60).
- Valid FFESSM license.
- RIFAP.
- Medical certificate.
- Significant experience in deep diving (beyond 30 metres).
- Significant experience in diving (100 dives).
Objectives
The Niveau 4 will allow you to guide up to 4 divers and anticipate the incidents that might occur.
You will demonstrate your ability to take charge of other divers via a series of technical and theoretical tests.
What you can do after certification
- Guide a group of divers (4 max) from 0 to 40 metres.
- Try dives in confined water (swimming pool).
- Start the process to become an MF1.
- Lightens the curriculum for professional qualifications.
- When combined with the Initiator gives access to teaching up to 20 metres.
Dates of the course and booking
2024 dates:
- Complete preparation 22 April to 2 May
- Final preparation 27 April to 2 May
- Exam 3-4 May
- Complete preparation 3 to 13 June
- Final preparation 8 to 13 June
- Exam 14-15 June
- Complete preparation 8 to 18 July
- Final preparation 13 to 18 July
- Exam 19-20 July
- Complete preparation 21 to 31 October
- Final preparation 26 to 3 October
- Exam 1-2 November
Length of the course
Two options are available:
- Two weeks for the complete course (generally from the Monday to the Thursday week after) – 9 days of training
- Final preparation training of one week (generally from Saturday to Thursday) – 5 days of training.
The exams are usually on a Friday and Saturday.
Accessibility for those with a handicap
People with a handicap can apply under the condition that the handicap does not interfere with practice or the act of teaching (safety of students) and after a medical certificate.
Methods used and types of evaluation
The tests are regularly updated, so we suggest you check the FFESSM website via the MFT (Manual of Technical Training), that is the reference here.
At the moment the evaluation (summary) is at the end of the course and the tests are as follows:
Group 1: Stamina and physical tests
- 200m mannequin
- Free diving to 10m
- 800 metres swim with fins mask and snorkel
Group 2: Technical and practical mastery and demonstration
Section A: Guiding divers and technique at 40m
- Guiding divers, briefing and debriefing
- Assisting a dive in difficulty at 40m
Section B: Technical and practical mastery and demonstration
- Seamanship
- Descent in the blue, buoyancy, mask clearing at 40m
- DTMR from 25m
- Surface swim in full gear for 500m.
Group 3: Theory knowledge tests
- Decompression.
- Anatomy, Physiology and Accidents.
- Theoretical aspects of the activity.
- Regulatory framework of the activity.
- Equipment.
Price
- €850 : 8 days : 5 days training + 1 day off + 2 day exam.
- €1190 : 13 days : 9 days training + 2 days off + 2 day exam.
What’s different with Aqualonde ?
- No lifting, your gear is systematically transported with our chariots between the centre and the 10 metres distance towards the boat.
- Hot showers in the changing rooms of our dive centre.
- Access to the most beautiful and prestigious dive sites of the Mediterranean. The “Grec”, “Donator”, “Hellcat”, “Ville de Grasse”: the only paddle steamer wreck still intact or even a submarine decorated with “The order of freedom”. Not forgetting the pinnacles or the famous “Gabinière drop off”, one the richest marine life sites in the heart of the “Port Cros” national park. There is something for all tastes, enormous schools of barracuda, from turtles to sunfish via monkfish and groupers and red gorgonians!
- The closest dive centre to the Golden Islands from the mainland.
- Many hotels and restaurants nearby, for all budgets. La Londe Les Maures is at the heart of the Côte d’Azur, between Hyères and St Tropez, in one of the most preserved areas due to the “Port Cros” National Park and the summer residence of the President of the Republic: “Fort Bregançon”. We’re located on the port, with a big car park, a departure point for the ferries to the Golden Islands and all public transport connections. There are many other activities available for the family while you’re making bubbles! Find our recommendations here.
- Did you like the equipment you used? We offer it for sale at competitive prices.
The course includes
- Personalised training in a small group.
- Course conducted by high level professionals who are DE or DESJEPS and Regional Instructors.
- Daily training for the different tests.
- Technical dives.
- Theory lessons.
- Final exam over 2 days.
- A good atmosphere!
The course does not include
- Accommodation and meals.
- Sun cream and shower gel.
- Costs of FFESSM license.
- Equipment hire (discount of 50% for clients doing a course).
Options
- Buy your equipment at reduced prices across the entire Aqualung and Apeks range.
- License FFESSM
Results of the previous session
2023 results
Number of candidates at the start of the course: 15
Number of candidates present at exam: 14
Pass rate: 79% total success (theory and practical)
Pass rate: 100% for the theory
100% of the candidates were satisfied or very satisfied with the facilities at their disposal during the course and the teaching in general.
36% female and 64% male.
DATES ET INSCRIPTIONS
Stage Initial : 27 juin - 1er juillet
Inscription sur le site de la CTR Sud FFESSM.
Stage en situation: auprès de Aqualonde Plongée
Dans le cadre d’une convention tripartite, Aqualonde peut vous accompagner dans ce projet. Contactez nous
Permis bateau : Riviera Nautic
Des formations à la carte avec toute une partie en e-learning vous attendent.
Final : 29 aout - 2 septembre
Inscription sur le site de la CTR Sud FFESSM.