Diving Center Tech Of Plongee

Located at the former criée in Port-Vendres, Tech Of Plongée serves as a dedicated hub for both recreational divers and technical specialists. The centre is positioned perfectly to access the varied marine environments of the Mediterranean, ranging from shallow reefs to deeper wreck sites.

The club operates with a focus on technical precision, making it a significant destination for those looking to advance their skills. From initial scuba training to the complexities of mixed gas and rebreather operations, the centre provides a structured environment for progression.

The centre is led by Christophe Laure, a TDI instructor, ensuring a high standard of technical instruction. The team maintains an inclusive, family-oriented atmosphere, catering to a wide range of experience levels while maintaining a serious approach to technical training.

Operating as a small-scale, human-sized structure, the centre focuses on quality instruction and safety. They are an official distributor for Shearwater, Santi, and Avatar, which reflects their commitment to high-quality equipment and technical standards.

The training programme is extensive, covering the full spectrum from introductory 'Baptême de plongée' to advanced technical certifications. For recreational divers, they offer standard circuit ouvert training, while technical divers can progress through advanced mixed gas and Trimix courses, including both normoxic and hypoxic Trimix.

As a specialist in rebreather technology, the centre provides instruction on various systems including rEvo, SF2, Symbios, AP diving, and Submatix. Their curriculum also includes specialised training for cave diving (plongée souterraine) and technical diving through affiliations with TDI, SDI, FFESSM, and ANMP.

The centre operates a blue Zodiac capable of carrying up to 15 divers. This vessel is used for local excursions, including night dives and trips to nearby wreck sites. The dive schedule is organised into specific tours, with deep diving conducted early in the morning, followed by subsequent tours at 20m after the midday break.

The centre is well-equipped for technical divers, offering specialised kit including Santi and Avatar drysuits for hire. They are an official distributor for Shearwater, Santi, and Avatar, ensuring reliable and modern equipment is available on-site.

Shore-based facilities include comfortable premises with changing rooms, showers, and lockers for divers to prepare for their sessions.

The local marine life is diverse, with many species inhabiting the various wreck sites and rocky areas. You can encounter various species of seabream (Sparidae), including the gilthead seabream, zebra seabream, and common two-banded seabream, alongside salema porgy (Sarpa salpa) and saddled seabream (Oblada melanura).

Predators and larger fish such as dentex, brown meagre (Sciaena umbra), and various groupers (Epinephelinae) are frequently seen. You may also spot barracuda (Sphyraena), European seabass, and different types of wrasse, including ornate wrasse and corkwing wrasse.

For those interested in macro life, the area hosts a variety of nudibranchs, including the purple aeolid (Flabellina affinis). You can also find octopus (Octopoda), common cuttlefish, and various scorpionfish (Scorpaena) amongst the crevices of the wrecks and reefs.

The seabed is enriched by a variety of fixed life, including gorgonians (Gorgonacea), red Mediterranean coral, and various soft corals (Alcyonacea). Sea pens and sea stars also add detail to the underwater landscape.

The centre offers a structured diving programme with specific tours designed to optimise the day, including early morning deep dives and shallower afternoon sessions. The location in Port-Vendres allows for efficient access to both shallow reefs and deeper technical sites via the Zodiac.