NITROX, or more correctly called
Enriched Air Nitrox ..... EANx ..... has been used in underwater
operations for many, many years; specially by the military,
commercial and scientific community.
But now, it is the recreational divers who are giving the gas its
popularity. As Accomplices in our underwater delinquencies,
we all use NITROX almost exclusively in our excursions....WHY ??
Mainly because it gives a real extended underwater time while it
INCREASES our safety margin in those multi-day, multi-dive
trips. We really exploit the best mix concept in EVERY dive,
not just the 32% and 36% routine. We dive on the highestpercent
NITROX that safety margins permit, so as to decrease
our nitrogen ongassing to the very minimum. We prepare our
mixes with accurate dive planning, a rigid gas management
and precise gas blending and analyzing techniques.
***This all requires additional training.***
Realistically, a diver using NITROX mixes with higher Oxygen contents can dive for longer bottom times with shorter SIT intervals and with less exhaustion under a wider safety margin than with air. Most of us even carry air computers, because we do not have to worry about taking it to the edge of deco, we KNOW we are still well inside our limits. We perform multilevel dives with air computers while diving on NITROX to ensure our safety is not compromised. As we age and stress our bodies out of physical condition, the need for additional safety factors becomes imperative while still not decreasing our time and dedication to this sport we love so much.
As an example, if we were to do three dives within one afternoon ..... while most other divers on board can barely make two without coming too close to the edge of their deco envelop ..... this would be a typical profile .....
on NITROX on air
104' for 20 minutes 36% E G*
SIT 1:00 D F
87' for 26 minutes 40% I H* 6 minutes maximum or do deco
SIT 1:30 F F
58' for 40 minutes 40% H J* 24 minutes maximum or do deco
* Deco limit of U.S. Navy Air Tables
Note.....For additional safety, our divers have the option to breathe 80%
NITROX during their safety stop at 20-30 ft which increases their rate of
Nitrogen offgassing ..... surfacing with a much LOWER amount of Nitrogen
than what the tables call for.
As you can see, the difference in bottom
time is, not only significant, but the air diver CANNOT
perform dives (without doing deco) which the NITROX diver
breezes thru with a light nitrogen load ..... after all these are only
recreational dives. Even restricting his/her underwater time,
the air diver is so close to the saturation limit that it would be risky to
his/her health. On the other hand, the NITROX profile is not
only Nitrogen-safe, but also Oxygen-safe. In both concerns,
we have maintained a wide margin of safety while extending our bottom
time substantially. When we have a typical afternoon dive, or
whether we are diving from a fantastic liveaboard in the beautiful Bahamian
waters, or near the Florida Keys, our divers plan,
prepare and execute dives that are safer to their
physiology while enjoying the realm of beauty the ocean has to offer.And if you are thinking that NITROX is more expensive ..... think it over again because the NITROX diver is really getting his/her money's worth per trip when you consider time spent underwater versus time sitting on the boat !!!
If you are looking for a solid NITROX education to be a better and safer diver, or upgrade your present NITROX level ..... not to let 32% and 36% guide your dives ..... Advance your knowledge while increasing your safety and enjoyment ..... Get better preparation and practice ..... Give the Accomplices a call for the next scheduled course or for one of our fantastic liveaboard trips ... SAFE ENJOYMENT WHILE YOU LEARN !!!