Scuba diving promotes Made in France
An essential event for diving enthusiasts and professionals, the Salon de la plongée sous-marine took place from January 9 to 12 at Porte de...
MADE IN FRANCE Thus, the show attracts an average of 66,000 visitors (divers and non-divers) who start the year under the sign of escape, sport, and discovering the wonders of the oceans. More than 500 exhibitors await them to offer their diving holiday destinations in the world's most beautiful spots, to discover diving equipment innovations, or to take advantage of special offers.
This year, "the Year of the Oceans" follows in the wake of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, taking place in Nice next June. The protection of seas and oceans formed the common thread of the four-day exhibition, a meeting place for the diving world and underwater universe enthusiasts.
2025 is the Year of the Oceans in France. On this occasion, the FFESSM promoted Made in France and highlighted the conservation and sustainable use of oceans with the specificity of diving.
At the federal stand, Frédéric di Meglio, the president of the FFESSM, and the rising stars of freediving who received a medal of honor. This year, the traditional show pool got a makeover with a new 10m x 20m heated pool. Open to everyone, young and old, it offered freediving initiations supervised by qualified instructors, and scuba diving initiations with the presence of FFESSM instructors.
MANY CONFERENCES As every year, the show was punctuated by numerous conferences. For instance, the secret planet of Mantas, a conference by the Mantas Trust team with the participation of Frédéric di Meglio and Eithne Tynan.
On the occasion of a Manta expedition in the Maldives archipelago, wildlife photographer Frédéric di Meglio, the NGO Manta Trust, and two marine ethologists, Jessie and Eithne, were able to better know and understand the life of mobulids. These species are endangered due to targeted trade. A charismatic animal that plays an important role in ocean health and the nutrient cycle by ingesting large quantities of zooplankton.
But also, a symbol of freedom, wisdom, and humility.
Another conference focused on underwater therapy in psychiatry with psychomotor therapist Loïc Mascroisier, psychologist Gilles Malesieux, health and Handisub instructor Patrick Borre, and Frédéric di Meglio. For the past two years, they have been offering to support psychiatric patients and caregivers in experiencing the underwater adventure together.
Physiological changes caused by immersion, as well as the coherent awakening of all senses in the sensory-motor sphere, generate numerous adaptations (bodily, psychic, relational). Immersion, exercises related to movement in a hyperbaric environment, as well as the relational tuning between instructor, caregiver, and patient, optimize this effect.
FEEDBACK Experience feedback in diving and underwater activities (REX) is essential in the discipline. A conference led by Chantal Margouet and Patrick Lamerat, experts steering this working group, Dr. Bruno Grandjean, national federal doctor of the FFESSM, and Richard Thomas, National Technical Director of the FFESSM.
Because everyone's experience helps grow our practice, the FFESSM launched 'RETour d'EXpérience' nearly two years ago, also known as 'RETEX' or 'REX'. The objective is to share remarkable facts, questions, incidents, best practices, and accidents across all underwater disciplines.
Another highlight was the Sea Shepherd conference by Capitaine Paul Watson, who, having barely left Greenlandic prisons, was awarded honorary citizenship of the Ville de Paris.
Finally, the Mayotte archipelago was not present this year at Porte de Versailles. But everyone at the show had a thought for the Mahorans hit by Cyclone Childo, a phenomenon that reminds us of climate change.
It is therefore not inconsistent that the year 2025 was chosen to be 'The Year of the Oceans'.
Bernard BERTUCCO VAN DAMME, special correspondent in Paris.