Do you want Nitrox? Dive longer and safer!
Hello, aspiring and current diving enthusiasts! If you are a PADI beginner or considering starting your underwater adventure, this article is for you. We at daivings.lv want to tell you about something that can significantly improve your diving experience and make your underwater experience even more fun – it is Nitrox, or Enhanced air nitrox (EANx).
Imagine – you’ve dived in a beautiful place, watching colorful fish and corals, and suddenly… it’s time to go up. Wouldn’t you like to spend a little longer underwater, exploring and enjoying the peace? That’s exactly what Nitrox offers!
What is Nitrox and why is it useful?
Nitrox is a gas mixture used in diving that contains a higher percentage of oxygen and a lower percentage of nitrogen than the regular air we breathe. While in the PADI Open Water Diver course you learn to dive with compressed air (which contains approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen), Nitrox typically contains between 22% and 40% oxygen.
The main advantage of Nitrox for divers is that it increases your no-stop time. What does this mean? It means you can spend a longer time at a given depth before you have to make a safety or decompression stop. Less nitrogen in your breath means less nitrogen buildup in your body, which in turn allows you to dive longer and potentially feel less tired after a dive.
Real life example:
Imagine diving to a depth of 21 meters:
- Diving with ordinary air, your non-stop time is approximately 37 minutes.
- Diving with 40% Nitrox (maximum for the PADI Enriched Air Diver certification), your non-stop time can be as long as 89 minutes!
As you can see, the difference is huge! This means much more time to enjoy the underwater world.
Why should you consider the PADI Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) certification?
- Longer underwater time: As already mentioned, the main advantage. If you like to explore and enjoy every minute underwater, Nitrox is for you.
- Greater security: Reduced nitrogen exposure can help reduce the risk of decompression sickness, which is important for every diver.
- Less fatigue: Many divers report feeling less tired after diving with Nitrox due to reduced nitrogen uptake.
- Versatility: The Nitrox course is very flexible and can be easily combined with your PADI Open Water Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver course, as well as with other specialized programs such as Deep Diver or Wreck Diver, where longer no-stop times are particularly beneficial.
How do your instructors and dive centers promote Nitrox?
Chances are your instructor or dive center staff dive with Nitrox themselves. That’s a good sign! A natural curiosity on your part may prompt questions about “what is Nitrox?” It’s important that dive centers are able to explain the value of Nitrox and how the additional cost (if any) is offset by the extra time underwater. Some centers even offer “free” Nitrox or include Nitrox in their dive packages.
How to get a PADI Enriched Air Diver certificate?
PADI Enriched Air Diver The (Nitrox) course is the most popular PADI specialization course and is relatively short and focused. You will learn the theory of Nitrox, its use, planning and safety considerations. Although the course can be completed without any additional dives, it is highly recommended to do at least one Nitrox dive to experience its benefits. Your PADI instructor will help you integrate Nitrox training with other courses, such as Open Water Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver.
In conclusion
If you are new to diving and want to make the most of your underwater adventures, definitely consider taking the PADI Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) specialty. It’s not just an additional cost, but an investment in your underwater enjoyment and safety. Ask your PADI instructor, “Can I dive with Nitrox?” – it’s your chance to get the most out of every dive!
Have a safe and long dive!
daivings.lv team
