ENRICHED AIR DIVER

specialty courses

Enriched Air Diver Course

The Enriched Air Diver course, often referred to as the Nitrox Diver course, is a popular specialty. This course teaches divers how to safely use enriched air (Nitrox) with higher oxygen content than regular air (which contains about 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen). The typical enriched air blends range from 22% to 40% oxygen.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from the course:

Course Overview:

Enriched Air Diver

  1. Theory of Nitrox:
    • Learn about the benefits and risks of using enriched air.
    • Understand the differences between Nitrox and regular air (like oxygen toxicity and nitrogen absorption).
    • Study dive tables and dive computers specifically designed for Nitrox.
  2. Benefits:
    • Longer bottom times: Nitrox reduces the amount of nitrogen absorbed by your body, which allows for longer dives, especially on repetitive dives.
    • Shorter surface intervals: With less nitrogen in your system, you can reduce your surface intervals between dives.
  3. Practical Training:
    • Learn how to analyze the oxygen content of your Nitrox tank.
    • Understand how to set your dive computer for Nitrox and use dive tables to plan your dives.
    • Learn safe practices for mixing, storing, and handling Nitrox.
  4. Safety Considerations:
    • Understanding the Maximum Operating Depth (MOD) for different Nitrox mixes to avoid oxygen toxicity.
    • How to plan dives with Nitrox safely and recognize potential hazards.

Prerequisites:

  • Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent).
  • A minimum age (usually 12 years old or older).

Certification:

Once you complete the theory portion and have some practical experience with Nitrox diving, you will receive a certification that allows you to dive with enriched air up to a certain oxygen concentration, typically up to 40%.

Why Take the Course?

  • If you’re into recreational diving, especially at deeper depths or repetitive dives, Nitrox helps improve dive times and safety.
  • It’s a great skill to have if you’re looking to dive in a more specialized way, whether it’s for longer bottom times, wreck diving, or diving on repetitive days.