Diving in Gaspésie – Magdalen Islands

Posted on by amoreau

The Gaspésie, nestled on the east coast of Canada, is an emblematic region that abounds in spectacular landscapes and remarkable marine biodiversity. In addition to its imposing mountains, lush forests and charming coastal villages, Gaspésie is also a destination of choice for scuba diving enthusiasts.

With its crystal clear waters, mysterious wrecks and diverse marine fauna, diving in Gaspésie offers an unforgettable experience for lovers of underwater adventures. Let's discover together the hidden treasures that await intrepid divers in this majestic region.

1. Iconic dive sites

crédit : Steven Melanson

First of all, this region has many emblematic dive sites that will satisfy divers of all levels.

Among them, Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé is a must-see destination. This site is part of the Webbed Route and integrates one of the greatest masterpieces of the Quebec underwater landscape. Indeed, the dives off Île Bonaventure offer breathtaking underwater landscapes with impressive underwater cliffs, arches and caves to explore. Gray seals, lobsters, crabs and a variety of fish color these waters of life.

Discover the advice of Steven Melanson – diving instructor in Percé through our interview

2. Explorations of historic wrecks

Imagine yourself on the majestic coasts of Haute-Gaspésie, a real marine picture with rugged relief. Once, this wild and mysterious place gave a hard time to valiant ships, which chose these tumultuous waters to end their journey there. But make no mistake, history has tinged these waters with a bewitching and fascinating aura.

Today, specialists will tell you: this estuary region, neighboring Haute-Gaspésie, is home to a vast marine cemetery, where a considerable number of wrecks lie silently. Each tells its own tale, evoking epic journeys and past adventures.

This extraordinary place is not only a cemetery, but an archaeological treasure just waiting to be explored. There, researchers eagerly search the depths to uncover the well-kept secrets of these wrecks, revealing a mosaic of cultures and eras. You are invited to immerse yourself in this laboratory of exploration, where history unfolds with every dive, offering a captivating insight into the rich maritime past of the region.

Find in detail the explorations accomplished by 2 divers from the region Alain Therrien and Serge Boucher.

3. Meet the abundant marine life

The waters of Gaspésie are home to abundant and varied marine life. During your dives, you will have the opportunity to observe incredible marine species such as whales, seals, porpoises and different species of sharks. Gardens of anemones and kelp forests offer a rich ecosystem where colorful fish and fascinating crustaceans evolve. For lovers of underwater macro photography, the Gaspésie also offers a multitude of wildlife species to discover.

4. Venture to the Magdalen Islands

crédit : Fabrice Vanhoutte

If you want to expand your diving experience in Gaspésie, be sure to venture to the Îles de la Madeleine, an enchanting archipelago located off the northeast coast of Gaspésie. The Magdalen Islands are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes, fine sandy beaches and rich cultural heritage. But they also offer scuba diving opportunities that will delight lovers of aquatic exploration.

The waters surrounding the Magdalen Islands are amazingly clear, offering exceptional visibility for divers. You will be amazed by the wealth of marine life including seals, rays, lobsters and a variety of fish that roam around the underwater rock formations. The seabed is also home to mysterious wrecks, witnesses of the region's maritime past.

In addition to diving, the Magdalen Islands offer a wealth of activities for visitors, such as exploring historic sites, tasting local gastronomic delights, kayaking excursions along the spectacular coastlines and encounters with locals. friendly inhabitants of the archipelago.

Before venturing to the Magdalen Islands, be sure to plan your trip carefully, taking into account weather conditions and optimal diving seasons. Check local dive centers for information on the best dive sites and marine conservation rules to follow.

Discover the advice of Fabrice Vanhoutte – diving instructor in the Magdalen Islands through our interview

Gaspésie is a dream destination for diving enthusiasts who wish to explore the underwater treasures of this majestic region. Breathtaking underwater landscapes, historic wrecks with fascinating stories and abundant marine biodiversity make it a must-see destination for divers from all over the world.

Aquatic wildlife in Quebec: a sensitive heritage to be preserved

Posted on by amoreau

The waters of Quebec teem with a rich diversity of aquatic life, from majestic rivers and serene lakes to the vast expanses of ocean in the Gulf of St. Laurent. As a diver, you have the unique opportunity to explore these fascinating underwater ecosystems and get up close to the aquatic wildlife that inhabits them.

However, with this opportunity comes a great responsibility to preserve and protect these fragile habitats for future generations.

Its rivers are home to iconic species such as Atlantic salmon, speckled trout and brook trout. Quebec lakes are teeming with fish such as bass, walleye and yellow perch. In the salty waters of the Gulf of St. Laurent, you can encounter whales, seals, porpoises, seabirds and a host of other sea creatures. The diversity of aquatic fauna in Quebec is not only remarkable, but it also plays a crucial role in the ecological balance of these ecosystems.

The importance of preserving aquatic fauna

The preservation of aquatic fauna is of paramount importance for several reasons.

First of all, these aquatic ecosystems are reservoirs of biodiversity. The different species that live there are interconnected, forming complex food webs and delicate balances. The disappearance or decline of a species can have negative repercussions on the entire ecosystem. Therefore, protecting aquatic habitats helps maintain the stability and resilience of these ecosystems.

In addition, aquatic wildlife has significant ecological, economic and cultural value for Quebec. Fish species are an important food resource for local communities, while recreational fishing attracts many enthusiasts. Marine mammals, such as whales, are major tourist attractions, contributing to the economy of the region. By preserving aquatic fauna, we also preserve our natural and cultural heritage.

The role of divers in the preservation

As a diver, you are a privileged witness to the beauty and fragility of underwater ecosystems. You have the power to positively influence the preservation of aquatic fauna. Here are some actions you can take : https://quebecsubaquatique.ca/2023/05/19/le-top-des-gestes-a-adopter-en-plongee-en-milieu-naturel/

Aquatic invasive species in Quebec: what to do and how to recognize them

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Aquatic invasive species are a growing threat to aquatic ecosystems in Quebec. These non-native organisms can wreak ecological havoc by altering natural habitats and jeopardizing biodiversity.

As a diver, you play a vital role in preventing the spread of these harmful species.

Aquatic invasive species in Quebec

Quebec is faced with several aquatic invasive species that threaten local ecosystems. Some of the most concerning include quagga, zebra mussel, rusty crayfish and Eurasian watermilfoil. These species spread rapidly and have a detrimental impact on biodiversity, water quality and human activities related to waterways.

Actions to adopt as a diver: As a diver, you can contribute to the fight against aquatic invasive species by adopting the following actions:

  1. Clean your equipment : Before diving in a new area, make sure your equipment is clean and free of any invasive species. Inspect and clean your fins, wetsuit, mask and any other equipment that may be holding organisms.
  2. Avoid cash transfer : Never intentionally release aquatic species into a new environment. Some invasive species can spread quickly from tiny fragments, so be vigilant and do not transport organisms from place to place.
  3. Follow cleaning procedures : When exiting the water, follow recommended cleaning protocols to prevent the spread of invasive species. Rinse your gear thoroughly with fresh water, ideally warm, to remove any organisms that may have clinging to it. Find the entire cleaning procedure carried out by the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parkss.
  4. Report sightings : If you observe an invasive species during your dive, report it to the competent authorities, such as the Quebec Ministry of the Environment or conservation organizations. This information will help monitor and control the spread of invasive species.

Recognize aquatic invasive species

It is important to be able to recognize aquatic invasive species in order to report their presence quickly. Here are some common species in Quebec and their distinctive characteristics:

  • The zebra mussel : It has a triangle-shaped shell and is usually striped with black or brown bands on a light background.
  • The quagga mussel : It resembles the zebra mussel, but its stripes are wider and may be more widely spaced. Its shell is also more rounded.
  • Eurasian watermilfoil : This is an aquatic plant that forms dense mats in bodies of water. Its leaves are arranged in a spiral around the stem and are finely divided.

To find out about all the invasive alien species in Quebec, go to the official government page.

The fight against aquatic invasive species is crucial to preserving Québec's aquatic ecosystems. As a diver, you have a vital role to play in preventing their spread. By adopting the recommended actions, such as cleaning your equipment, avoiding the transfer of species, following cleaning procedures and reporting sightings, you are helping to preserve biodiversity and maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems. By recognizing aquatic invasive species, you can help quickly identify their presence and take appropriate action. Together, we can protect Quebec's waters and preserve their natural beauty for future generations.

Freediving: How to start and progress?

Posted on by amoreau

Freediving, or snorkeling, is a fascinating discipline that involves holding your breath and exploring the underwater depths without the use of scuba diving equipment. It is a practice that is both sporty and contemplative which offers a unique connection with the underwater environment and its wonders.In this article, we will explore the different facets of freediving, as well as the feedback of a Quebec freediver, member of the Quebec Subaquatic community.

Freediving, a discipline with multiple benefits

Freediving goes far beyond simple underwater exploration. It is a sport that requires great self-control, intense concentration and perfect knowledge of your body. Practiced on a regular basis, apnea offers many benefits, both physically and mentally. It improves respiratory capacity, strengthens respiratory muscles, promotes relaxation, and develops self-confidence and stress management.

Several forms of apnea exist! To find out more, visit our dedicated activity page!

Webbed advice: Learn about the safety regulations for the activity of apnea in Quebec

Getting started in freediving: the essential steps of Québec Subaquatique

To start freediving, it is essential to follow a few key steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable practice. Some basic steps:

  1. Acquire basic knowledge: Learn the fundamentals of apnea, such as the physiology of breathing, relaxation techniques, warning signs and safety rules.
  2. Practice breathing: Breathing is the key to apnea. Practice deep, controlled breathing exercises to improve your lung capacity and relaxation.
  3. Getting started with relaxation: Learn relaxation techniques, like meditation and visualization, to help manage stress and promote peaceful immersion.
  4. Gradually descend: Start with shallow dives and gradually increase the depth as you gain experience and confidence.
  5. Never dive alone: Safety is paramount in freediving. Always practice with a buddy to be able to help each other and ensure mutual supervision.
  6. Respect the marine environment: As a freediver, you are an ambassador for the oceans. Respect marine ecosystems, do not touch corals or underwater fauna and adopt eco-responsible practices.

For a safe practice, consider doing your certification in a school specializing in apnea (recognized by different agencies such as PADI, AIDA, CMAS etc.)

We went to meet Marie Nick, a young 32-year-old mother from Laval who has been practicing freediving for more than 3 years in Quebec! We discovered it thanks to Instagram in particular where she publishes very beautiful photographs of her practice!

What brought you to practice? What are you looking for through your activity?

Travel without hesitation! It is through the practice of snorkeling on vacation that I wanted to develop my knowledge on the subject. Scuba diving is too cumbersome for my taste… I find less freedom than in freediving, where we depend on less equipment but much more on our physical abilities.

What feelings does that give you?

Really... it's letting go! The peace it gives me is fantastic! This allows me to be an integral part of this world and this life under water... Communion with the underwater environment is a real life experience.

On the other hand I like to push my limits, I find it rewarding to go deeper for longer. This allows you to get to know yourself better as you learn.

Finally, I like being able to go back and forth without a decompression stop and being much more free in my kicking and my connection with my environment.

What is your most beautiful underwater memory in Quebec to share with a beginner?

The Escoumins diving base without hesitation! The colors are really incredible, the underwater life is very rich, you can see the whales outside the water, a great place for beginners! You can see six meters away, it's really very pleasant to be sure to appreciate.

Where did you train? Where to start when you start freediving in Quebec?

I went to several schools and now I am at Apnée Aquarius in Montreal. When you start you have to try in class and follow the training courses that specialized schools in apnea can offer. The training is very complete in school!

A big thank you to her for her sharing, her passion and her kindness!

Do not hesitate to join her on her Instagram account to follow these beautiful underwater experiences @marienickk.

In conclusion, snorkeling is an exciting activity that allows you to explore the wonders of the underwater world while developing a deep connection with your own body. By getting closer to the professionals in the freediving school and progressing step by step, you will be able to live unique and enriching experiences in the captivating universe of freediving.

The top gestures to adopt when diving in a natural environment

Posted on by amoreau

Diving in a natural environment is a fascinating activity where we invite ourselves into a natural environment that is not ours. This is why it must be practiced with deep respect for the environment. Quebec offers many freshwater and saltwater diving opportunities, and as a diver, it is important to do your part to preserve the beauty and integrity of these ecosystems.

Here are some behaviors and gestures that divers can adopt to be respectful of the environment during their open water dives in Quebec:

  1. Comply with the regulations: Parks and nature reserves often have specific rules for diving. Before you go diving, make sure you know the rules applicable to the area you are visiting and respect them.
  2. Avoid contact: Avoid touching corals, plants and sea animals. Corals are extremely fragile and can be damaged even by a simple touch. Also avoid feeding the fish, as this can disrupt their natural diet.
  3. Do not take memories: Do not collect objects, such as shells, stones or pieces of coral. These elements play an important role in the marine ecosystem and their removal can upset the natural balance.
  4. Use ecological products: Use eco-friendly products for your scuba gear, such as environmentally safe sunscreens and lotions.
  5. Avoid polluting: Do not throw any waste in the water or on the beach. Bring a waste bag with you to store your waste and dispose of it properly at the end of your dive.
  6. Do not disturb the seabed: Avoid stirring up the sand or disturbing the seabed with your fins. This can disturb the natural habitat of sea creatures.
  7. Avoid night dives : Avoid night diving in environmentally sensitive areas, as this can disturb nocturnal sea creatures.
  8. Carry out a thorough cleaning of equipment, boats, buoys (required when changing environment to avoid the transport of invasive animals such as the zebra mussel).
  9. Train a mesh bag to pick up litter underwater (the good deed of the day between buddy to preserve underwater life)

By adopting these behaviors and gestures during your open water dives in Quebec, you can help preserve the beauty and integrity of these ecosystems for generations to come.

Open water diving can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it's up to each of us to do our part to preserve these fragile ecosystems.

Evaluate your dive according to your level

Posted on by amoreau

The diving bag presents you

Evaluate your dive according to your level

La plongée c’est accessible… avec un savoir-faire à portée de main.

It is certain that to dive safely, you must take care of your health! However, this practice remains accessible if you follow basic notions throughout your life.

  • Join the Quebec Subaquatic win!

You can update your knowledge on the practice of recreational diving in Quebec by becoming a member with privileged access that allows you to join a community sensitive to the same universe as yours!

  • Physical and mental fitness is life!

On ne t’apprend rien, maintenir une certaine forme physique en pratiquant une activité sportive c’est bon pour le corps et l’esprit ! Alors fonce ! (pas besoin d’être un guerrier non plus)

  • Prevention is better than cure !

Follow up with your general practitioner during your check-up to check your skills and protect yourself from risks or accidents

Reminder of the levels of divers, 4 levels in Quebec:

  • level A: To start scuba diving!
  • level B: To go deeper and supervise your buddys!
  • level C: To obtain diving specialties (ex: underwater photography, exploration of wrecks, etc.)
  • level D: To become a master diver and supervise under remuneration!

Rules are important! We reassure you it's crystal clear! This way : https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/document/rc/S-3.1,%20r.%208

What are the variables that a diver must take

into account to dive according to his level?

Each level of diver must respect a dive site allowing a direct ascent to the surface.

2 variables to take into account depending on your level:

The diving depth and the time of day (day or night) see table below:

(these limits vary according to the private certification agencies – non-exhaustive data)

Indeed, depending on your level, it is important to respect these 2 variables to stay safe!
For more information on the regulations go to the government website.

A few other aspects to consider before going on a dive?

Have you taken a good look at the online dive sector map with dives here and taken a copy with you?


Does the level of service in the diving sector make you feel confident? (Signage, sector map, services available nearby, etc.)


Is cellular network available at your dive site?


Have you communicated to a relative your departure in diving?


Consult our practical advice Prepare well for diving for more information on preparing for your next exploration.


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Québec Subaquatique, it's official!

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L’AGA spéciale de la Fédération c’est présenté le 12 Avril 2023 pour officialiser sa nouvelle identité. Cet événement est un moment clé pour la fédération et ses membres. Il a permis aux membres de se réunir et de prendre une décision importante pour l’avenir de l’organisation. Cette assemblée a abouti à une décision unanime en faveur du changement de nom de la fédération.

Ainsi la FQAS (Fédération Québécoise des Activités Subaquatiques) devient officiellement Québec Subaquatique.

Le changement de nom était un sujet de discussion depuis un certain temps, car les membres de la fédération estimaient que l’ancien nom ne reflétait plus adéquatement la mission et les objectifs actuels de l’organisation. Le nom de l’organisation étant reconnu trop long à porter. Les membres ont finalement voté en faveur de ce changement, reconnaissant l’importance de la modernisation de leur organisation.

Le nouveau nom Québec Subaquatique reflète un ancrage souligné à sa province ainsi qu’une volonté de faire un focus sur l’ensemble des pratiques sous l’eau. Les membres ont exprimé leur enthousiasme pour ce changement, soulignant qu’il aidera la fédération à mieux refléter son rôle dans la société.

En conclusion, cette AGA spéciale de Québec Subaquatique a été un moment important pour les membres, car ils ont voté en faveur d’un changement de nom qui reflétera mieux la mission et les objectifs actuels de l’organisation. Cette décision marque le début d’une nouvelle ère pour la fédération, qui pourra mieux répondre aux besoins des communautés qu’elle sert.

Bon à savoir :

En devenant membre Québec Subaquatique vous bénéficier d’un droit de vote lors de l’assemblée générale annuelle. Pour obtenir votre adhésion et rejoindre notre belle communauté rendez-vous ici : https://quebecsubaquatique.ca/devenez-membre-quebec-subaquatique/

Equip yourself to dive with peace of mind!

Posted on by amoreau

The diving bag presents you

Equip yourself to dive with peace of mind!

Scuba diving is accessible and fun… with the right equipment!

If you are wondering what equipment you can dive with in Quebec, the answer is here.

In the waters of Quebec, the water temperature varies from -2°C to 20°C depending on depth and time of year, so you will need more suitable equipment than in the tropics.

I-To equip yourself in Quebec, for the whole year!

The diving suit: are you Wet or Dry?

The debate remains open between buddy but the important thing is you!

Choice 1 : The fully waterproof Dry suit (en fr) that does not let water through. It is important to cover yourself with other layers (ask the specialists) between your wetsuit and your skin to heat your body because your only fuel is you!

The real advantage is that you can stay warm continuously before and after diving 🙂

Choice 2 : The “wet” or humid suit (in fr) lets water enter between the suit and your body in order to warm it up.

It is possible to use it in Quebec at certain times of the year when the temperature is above 18°C. °C.

Tip: Listen up! The important thing is to feel comfortable during your next explorations!

The diving mask : the less water inside, the better! !

The first essential to see underwater and appreciate the aquatic fauna and flora that surrounds you!

In order not to be mistaken, ensure the seal!

astuce : consider the presence of a special film antifog inside the mask, handy for seeing more in darker salt water!

Adjustable fins: your travel tool

In Quebec, we dive mainly with adjustable fins in cold water to accommodate your boots.

The scuba regulator: the power to breathe underwater

In order to activate your ability to breathe underwater, be sure to seek advice from specialists.

The dive computer: your traveling companion

Recreational diving imposes a certain depth threshold on you depending on your level of diver, this watch mainly gives you:

  • the depth where you are in real time;
  • the time you have left at a certain depth before going into decompression with a more or less long safety stop.
The stabilizer vest

Une bouée intégrée à un gilet qui vous permet de flotter à une certaine profondeur sous l’eau =» idéale pour être plus à l’aise.

Accessories specific to diving in Quebec
  • Balaclava and gloves : For your thermal comfort, especially for diving in cold water.
  • Booties : For use with adjustable fins, essential for colder waters and shore diving.
  • Compass : Useful when visibility is low. This is a mandatory piece of equipment for Divemasters in training.
  • Diving light : Essential in Quebec because of the salty waters which allow less visibility. Also essential for night diving.

Accessories for your safety

  • The wire cutter : Effective for any obstruction during your dive
  • Tuba : In case of emergency it can save your life to continue on the surface

II-To prepare your dive bag, without a hitch:

1- Make sure to take a waterproof bag, ideally large enough to contain all of your equipment

2- Store your bag evenly (for diver tips, the comments section is open!)

⚠️ RAPPEL⚠️
To dive in Quebec, a qualification certificate is required!
Learn more

Québec Subaquatique

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2022 Underwater Activities Conference, mission accomplished!

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On November 12, 2022, Québec Subaquatique held the underwater activities symposium in its new premises at the Maison du Sport et du Loisir in Montreal.  

The objective is to bring together all the employees of the underwater world in order to share themes and knowledge with them thanks to several distinguished guests who animated the day thanks to their presentation. 

Un superbe colloque avec plus 100 participants. Merci à nos 5 supers conférenciers qui ont su captivé les participants :

  • Lyne Morissette avec “Parce qu’on protège ce qu’on aime : Les récits de plongée au cœur de la protection des océans“
  • Kevin Brown & Sébastien Pelletier: Without Glory or Treasure: Exploratory Technical Wreck Diving in the St. Lawrence
  • Imad Farhat : A path into aquatic Conservation, Education, and sustainability (English)
  • Mario Cyr: My life with the sea

Finally, this event made it possible to pay tribute to the various people who work to develop the practice of recreational scuba diving in Quebec as well as all other underwater activities. 

Relive these emotional moments through each recipient's award speech:

The young woman who will receive this award started diving in 2016 to discover a new destination other than on land, and her whole family followed in her footsteps and everyone got their scuba diving certification. In 2020, she is following many additional training courses to complement her practice and dive warmly and safely in Quebec.

She is now a Rescue Diver and got her own gear! Already quite an accomplishment in four years of practice. We feel that the passion is present! But his journey does not end there. In 2021, she has a click: to make her passion her livelihood! She searches the web, does her research and discovers the Professional Diving training at the Institut Maritime du Québec in Rimouski. Only 12 people per year are admitted and must meet all the selection criteria and pass all the tests.

This is her new goal, to be admitted to this program! She trains hard to pass the physical tests and applies for admission. In April 2021, she receives her answer: she is on the waiting list. Then, unfortunately, no news thereafter.

Without giving up hope, she trains hard and hard with a private trainer, she takes multiple additional training courses in scuba diving and leaves her job to move on to another, which will allow her to acquire complementary skills and learn to use tools of all kinds.

Then, she tries her luck again in 2022. She is one of the 2 women, out of 26 candidates for the physical tests. After several weeks of waiting, she finally learns that she is selected!

Which brings us to this fall, these classes have started and her desire to get involved in her field and inspire other young women is great. She inspires us with her determination, her perseverance and gives us hope that the next generation in scuba diving will be strong and passionate!

This journey is that of Kelly Rancourt, our recipient of the Relève 2022 trophy! Congratulation!

For this award ceremony, I will not keep the suspense until the end of my speech to announce the winner. Because to make a good presentation, I find it important to talk about it in a precise way. The project that won this trophy was put into operation this summer, following a preparatory phase that spanned more than 2 years.

Since the summer of 2022, this dive base has been offering all-inclusive and à la carte diving packages on the mythical Anticosti Island, a first in Quebec. Anticosti Écotours has obtained the “3 palmes” classification from the Route Palmée and offers a unique concept on Quebec territory, in collaboration with SEPAQ. The result: a once inaccessible diving area located in the heart of the Gulf of St. Lawrence thus becomes a dream location to explore pristine waters and marvel at the beauty and diversity of the waters of an area that, to date, has been sunk by little.

The waters of Anticosti were previously inaccessible, either because of its geographical remoteness, or lack of practical accessibility to basic resources for the practice of diving. The presence of a base offering all services (air, nitrox, equipment rental, repair, boat trips, training and guides) now allows access to divers who wish to explore this jewel of the St. Lawrence and will also allow residents to Port-Menier to learn and practice scuba diving diligently to better appreciate the beauty of their waters.

Many projects are already on the drawing board for 2023 for the next development phases of Anticosti Écotours. In this project, we would like to highlight the audacity of the initiators of the project, their ambition and their long-term work.

Michel Labrecque and Julie Ouimet, your Anticosti Ecotours project, deserves the 2022 project trophy! Congratulation!

As we know, our columnists Danielle Alary and Michel Gilbert share a common passion: underwater photography. But how did it start?

Michel started diving at the age of 18, after being introduced to the underwater world through the Cousteau team's L'odyssée sous-marine series, broadcast in the 1970s. Danielle, as for her, not wishing to become a diving widow, quickly understood that she had better get started, too. As for the interest in photography, this, in the case of Michel, dates back to high school. Then, during his first summer of diving, he decided to take up underwater photography in order to document his observations and discoveries. As for Danielle, it happened much later, after years of playing the role of service guide and scouting specialist for Michel, who had difficulty finding well-camouflaged subjects... The famous the time, the Nikonos, quickly held no more secrets for them!

In 1983, noting the absence of a photo chronicle in the magazine La Plongée, ancestor of In Depth, Michel suggested a series of articles, a proposal accepted by the editor-in-chief at the time, Tristan Léonard. The rest, as they say, is history. Dozens and dozens of chronicles! The tasks are well distributed: Michel writes and Danielle takes care of the logistics, planning and management of the photo bank. But their involvement in the underwater community does not stop there. During the 1980s, Michel held the position of president of the FQAS for 6 years. Then came the period of conferences, both in Canada and in the United States, at conventions, sometimes in front of an audience of thousands of people. After all these years of involvement in the environment, Danielle and Michel retain above all the incredible diversity of the underwater environment embellished with exciting encounters that have left lasting memories. A real endless quest. The world is too big, life is too short!

Thus, for all these years of loyal service to In Depth, to deliver without reserve, through their Declic column, their precious advice, tips and tricks to help us succeed in our underwater shots, they deserve this award hands down. Thank you for your rich contribution, your diligence, your assiduity and your unfailing reliability! Long live Click!

The first person to receive such an award is an individual who is described as a myth, a legend in the Quebec diving community. This person has given his entire professional life to Quebec scuba diving, going from manufacturer, to instructor, to expert, to adventurer. He is known to the greatest as well as newcomers and thanks to such dedication, he has been able to stand out in order to become a reference in Quebec.

He is a man of heart and passion, who speaks the secret and mysterious language of cylinders of all kinds and knows how to navigate the maze of Transport Canada regulations. He also strongly contributed to the establishment of Quebec regulations for scuba diving and made the safety of divers his priority.

He also offered more than 20 years of his life as a volunteer on the board of directors of Quebec Subaquatic, he has, with this organization, weathered a thousand storms and helped maintain a stability that today allows Quebec Subaquatic to be still on foot.

I take this opportunity to thank him for his legacy and honor his dedication. I therefore give the honorary prize to Paul Boissinot.

The second person to receive an honorary award is the Neutral Buoyancy Guru. This individual is a forward thinker, someone who believes in constant improvement, who values ​​effort and hard work to become better divers, better instructors, better citizens of our planet and, more generally better humans.

He is a passionate instructor, who knows how to pass on his knowledge, his convictions with so much confidence and aplomb that his only contact gives us all the confidence in the world to face challenges, life, the next dive. This person values ​​knowledge, discovery, curiosity, rigor, self-sacrifice. Every action taken is marked by these values.

For those who know him, you will probably recognize him simply by the characteristics named above, for others, this man is to be discovered. He will give birth to a vocation in you, he will make you laugh with his expressions like "have a moment of solitude" as for 100 feet, you will not have made your BALLO and that you will be in schnoutte or even "lose points" in him in front of a Corona, a debt that he carefully records throughout the training.

Finally, what everyone will agree on: crossing his path is an honor and a privilege and, whether you are a diver, an instructor or even not webbed at all, you come out of it nourished, motivated, fired up and generally just better.

This occasion is therefore ideal to underline the contribution of this individual to the world of diving, I also take advantage of the moment to thank him for being the instructor, the diver and the human being that he is. I therefore give the second honorary prize to Damien Monge.  

Félicitation aux deux récipiendaires!

When we look at everyone here today, happy to be together, in a beautiful conference where things are going well and where everyone sticks to their text (haha!), we tend to think that is fine simply because it is, because there is no storm in sight and life is good among the Underwater Tribe. However, if Québec Subaquatique is doing well and developing, strengthening and serving its members better and better, it does not happen by itself. It takes a good captain's mausus to steer that boat, because it's a very complex and delicate bug.

Between the pandemic and the global labor shortage, between the repair of the compressor of a diving base located 500 kilometers from here and the application of a Regulation written by the Ministry, between the continuous training of agents , the creation of the Route Palmée, the financing of our projects, a new name, a new logo and don't forget to have some nice tuques and hoodies made…! Between the “when will we be able to renew our certificates online??” and the “can you help us organize the Underwater Rugby World Cups? ".

Between all of this, for us to dive, enjoy and play safely underwater, it takes someone who keeps their head above water. Someone who puts the interests of Québec Subaquatique and the entire community above all else, with fairness, rigor and efficiency. Someone who has vision, who is not afraid to change ways of doing things and to tell the truth, as it is, without trying to spare egos. Someone who knows when to smile and celebrate but also when it's time to show some teeth and tighten some screws. Someone who stands up, rolls up their sleeves and leads by example. But also someone who is deeply human, enthusiastic and available to learn and listen.

Someone like that is rare.

But we are lucky: we have one and today we want to tell him how precious we know that all his work in the shadows, against all odds, is precious.

Today, the administrators of Québec Subaquatique want to present a special trophy, on behalf of all the members and partners of our federation, to our extraordinary captain.

In the EXCEPTIONAL DIRECTOR GENERAL category, the winner is MADAME MARIE-CHRISTINE LESSARD

Thanks again to all the participants, see you again in 2024 for the next edition!!!