About

NITROX

What is Nitrox?

Nitrox, also known as enriched air nitrox (EAN), is a breathing gas mixture that contains a higher percentage of oxygen than regular air. While normal air consists of approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen, nitrox typically contains between 32% to 40% oxygen. This increased oxygen content allows divers to extend their bottom times and reduce the risk of decompression sickness compared to diving with regular air.

Benefits of Nitrox Diving

1. Increased Bottom Times: One of the primary advantages of using nitrox is the ability to stay underwater longer. The reduced nitrogen content in nitrox means that divers can spend more time at depth before needing to ascend, which is particularly beneficial for exploring dive sites or observing marine life.

2. Decreased Surface Intervals: Divers using nitrox can often shorten their surface intervals—the time spent on the surface between dives—because they accumulate less nitrogen during their dives. This allows for more frequent diving within a single day.

3. Enhanced Safety Margins: Diving with nitrox can provide additional safety margins by reducing the risk of nitrogen narcosis and decompression sickness, making it a preferred choice for many recreational divers.

Training Requirements for Nitrox Diving

To become an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox diver, participants must complete specific training that includes:

• Minimum Age: Participants must be at least 10 years old.

• Certification Prerequisites: Divers must hold an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.

• Academic Sessions: The program typically includes four academic sessions where divers learn about gas mixtures, planning dives with nitrox, and understanding the implications of increased oxygen levels.

• Maximum Training Depth: The maximum depth for diving with nitrox is generally set at 30 meters (100 feet).

• Duration: The suggested duration for completing this training program ranges from 3 to 6 hours.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants earn SSI certification in either Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or Enriched Air Nitrox 40%.

Conclusion

Becoming an SSI Nitrox diver not only enhances your diving experience by allowing longer dives but also increases safety through better management of nitrogen absorption. With proper training through programs like those offered by SSI and utilizing tools like the MySSI app, divers can maximize their underwater adventures effectively.