Centre International De Plongee Cip

The Centre International de Plongée (CIP) is situated in Nice, a stone's throw from the port, providing easy access to the varied underwater landscapes of the French Riviera. As the top-ranked FFESSM centre in France and overseas since 2021, it has established a reputation for high-volume training and professional standards. The centre operates throughout the year, ensuring you can dive regardless of the season.

Whether you are looking to begin your journey with a discovery dive or you are a technical diver seeking rebreather training, the facility is built to accommodate all levels. The local area is characterised by protected marine sites featuring dramatic drop-offs, gorgonians, and intricate cave systems.

The teaching team is composed of highly qualified state-certified instructors, specifically holding E3 and E4 qualifications. This level of expertise ensures that training, from basic skills to advanced professional levels, is handled with precision. The centre is a major hub for both FFESSM and PADI certifications, making it a versatile choice for international divers.

Training is available for all ages, including dedicated programmes for children. The centre is also a significant training ground for those looking to progress through the professional ranks, offering Divemaster and instructor-level pathways.

The curriculum is extensive, covering both the FFESSM/CMAS and PADI systems. For beginners, courses include Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, and various Niveau 1 through Niveau 4 certifications. Intermediate and advanced divers can pursue Advanced Open Water Diver, Deep Diver, and Rescue Diver courses.

Technical and specialty training is a core strength of the centre. They offer Nitrox courses (EANX), ranging from basic to confirmed levels, and are fully equipped for rebreather training, including AP Diving rebreather courses. Professional divers can train for the Divemaster qualification here as well.

The René-Madeleine is a 14-metre vessel certified by the Marine Marchande, designed to carry up to 38 divers. This certification ensures a high standard of safety and stability for your trips out to the reefs and walls.

Nitrox is available on board for those looking to extend their bottom times. The boat provides a reliable platform for exploring the local Mediterranean sites, from shallow reef flats to deeper drop-offs.

The centre is well-equipped with Aqualung kit, maintaining a significant inventory for hire. This includes over 60 cylinders in various volumes, such as 12-litre and 15-litre options, as well as smaller 6, 8, and 10-litre cylinders specifically for children. They also maintain around 30 BCDs and over 50 wetsuits in a full range of sizes.

For technical and advanced diving, the facility is supported by two compressors with capacities of 50 m³/hour and 60 m³/hour. They offer Nitrox services and are equipped for rebreather diving. Notably, the centre is the only club in Nice that provides dive computer hire, ensuring you have the necessary instrumentation for your dives.

The underwater scenery is defined by vibrant gorgonians (Gorgoniidae) and various coral formations that cling to the limestone walls. You will find these amongst dramatic drop-offs and within the sheltered environments of local caves and swim-throughs.

In the rocky crevices and under ledges, you can look for groupers (Epinephelus), moray eels (Muraenidae), and conger eels (Congridae). These predators are often found near the reef structures, alongside various species of octopus.

For those watching the open water or passing through the reef, schools of fish and common dentex (Dentex dentex) are frequently seen. You may also encounter brown meagre and lobster (Homaridae) amongst the more complex terrain.