Nitrox course: more time underwater
Nitrox (Enriched Air Nitrox, EANx) is air with more oxygen and less nitrogen than normal air, usually 32–40 % oxygen. Because your body takes up less nitrogen, diving with nitrox gives you longer no-decompression time and shorter surface intervals between dives. The nitrox course is a new step that pays off on almost every dive.
More oxygen also has a downside: at depth the higher pressure of oxygen becomes toxic to the body. That is why the course focuses on how to set safe limits and keep to them.
What you learn
- The benefits and risks of nitrox, and oxygen toxicity.
- Working out the maximum operating depth (MOD) from the oxygen content of the mix.
- Checking the mix with an oxygen analyser, recording the result and labelling the cylinder.
- Setting your dive computer for nitrox.
- Planning dives with enriched air safely.
How the course runs
The course consists of theory and a practical session on land. In the theory you learn how nitrox affects the body, what the oxygen limits are and how to plan a dive with a computer. In the practical session you analyse nitrox cylinders with your instructor, fill in the gas log and set up your computer. No dives are needed for this certificate.
The course ends with a theory exam. With a PADI Enriched Air Diver or SDI Computer Nitrox Diver certificate you can get nitrox fills and dive with nitrox at dive centres all over the world.
What comes next
Nitrox is especially useful when you make several dives a day, and on deep dives where your no-decompression time is short.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any dives in the course?
No, dives are not required for this certificate. The course consists of theory and a practical session in which you learn to analyse the mix and set your computer.
Why is nitrox better than air?
It contains less nitrogen, so you get longer no-decompression time and shorter surface intervals. But because of the extra oxygen nitrox has a stricter depth limit, which you learn to work out on the course.
Can I dive deeper with nitrox?
No. The more oxygen in the mix, the shallower the maximum depth. Nitrox is for longer dives, not deeper ones.
Can I take it together with the Open Water course?
PADI and SDI allow you to complete the nitrox course together with the Open Water Diver course (PADI from age 12). If you would like to, mention it in your inquiry.