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PADI NITROX Diver

 

What is it?
As you may or may not know, air consists of about 21% oxygen (O2) and 79% nitrogen (N2). It’s the nitrogen in air that limits how long we can spend underwater, so why not breathe in less of it? Nitrox or EANx (Enriched Air Nitrox) ,is basically made by taking air and adding more oxygen to it. More O2 means less N2 which means more time underwater. You will not feel any different and it does not taste any different. It’s that simple.

Why use it?
The benefits of Enriched Air Nitrox are gained from the reduction of absorbed nitrogen in the diver’s body. The main reason why EANx is so popular is that divers can use this gas in two ways. Many divers use EANx with air tables and air computers as they feel that this will reduce the risk of decompression illness (DCI) still further. Others use the benefit of reduced nitrogen in the body to extend bottom times, particularly when exploring the 20-30m depth zones.

For example, according to the dive planning table, PADI Recreational Dive Planner (RDP), you can spend 20 minutes at a depth of 30m when breathing air. By decreasing the nitrogen content of your breathing gas from 79% to 64%, you can remain at 30m for up to 35 minutes – nearly twice the bottom time. So can you see the benefit? Longer time spent underwater without incurring any penalties.

How can I learn more about it?
Take a Discover Enriched Air Nitrox course. Certification allows you to dive under supervision on a Nitrox mix containing 32% Oxygen within the no-stop limits of the air RDP or an air- based dive computer, to a maximum of 30 meters/100 feet. An ideal certification to gain before your next diving trip. This card open's up a new experience in diving pleasure and is ideal for the travelling diver who wishes to get the most out of his diving holiday.

What’s involved in the programme?
By completing a Knowledge Development (Enriched air dive planning, care for equipment, hazard management, use and application of enriched air) and Practical equipment application session (use an oxygen analyser to determine oxygen content in an enriched air blend, verification of cylinder content, use of fill log), you can gain your first Enriched Air Nitrox certification.

This session can be taken as a stand alone programme or be an added option to the theory section of a PADI Open Water Diver Course or any other PADI course that you are about to take (subject to your Dive Centre offering this option). A dive on Enriched air is not a requirement for certification.

The PADI Enriched Air Diver Manual you will receive to keep as a part of this course, will come in handy as you progress though the stages that lead to full Enriched Air diver Speciality certification.