Questions About Nitrox

Nitrox is a term used to describe any mixture of oxygen and nitrogen. All divers have used Nitrox ... the air that we breathe is a mixture of 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen and 1% trace gasses. EANX, enriched air nitrox is simply a mixture that contains higher amounts of oxygen and lower amounts of nitrogen. The use of EANX as a breathing gas offers many benefits to SCUBA divers.

Why Use Nitrox (EANX)?

Air, the gas that surrounds us, was first used for diving purposes as it is readily available. All certified SCUBA divers are taught how to manage the risks inherent in the use of air as a breathing gas such as:

• Decompression Sickness, and
• Nitrogen Narcosis

These two maladies result from excess nitrogen in the diver's body. We can reduce the effect of the nitrogen by replacing it with oxygen, which our body metabolizes.

Diver safety is increased while diving with Nitrox and using the Air Decompression Tables or any dive computer. A physiological benefit is the reduction of the post dive headaches associated with carbon dioxide toxicity. Some divers even report feeling more 'refreshed' following a dive using Nitrox Others report that the dives seem to be less tiring.

Isn't Nitrox Just for Deep and Technical Diving?

Although training in the use of Nitrox is a prerequisite for more technical courses, most EANx dives are within the 40 ft to 130 ft range. Recreational divers achieve a greater benefit for the use of EANx than deep divers.

Will I Need New Equipment?

Your existing regulator will work fine following some simple cleaning and 'O'-ring changes, called 02 cleaning. You can have this done when your annual service is due.

Dutchess Diving Center recommends the dedication of cylinders to Nitrox (EANx). The process is simple. 02 cleaning is performed and then the tank is clearly marked with stickers stating the contents of the cylinder.

Is It Difficult to Learn to Use EANx?

You already know how to dive, so you have all the skills you need to dive with EANx. You only need to lean some principles about planning and prevention to become proficient and safe in the use of EANx! Getting into nitrox diving is easy and inexpensive!

What Does the Nitrox Course Involve?

The class is reasonably short. It can be offered in a single 4 hour lecture (or two 2 hour lectures). The topics covered include: theory, gas analysis, and equipment requirements. Two open water dives are recommended.

Divers completing the course receive a certification card, recognized internationally, issued by SSI (Scuba Schools, International) or by TDI (Technical Diving International).

To enroll in the Nitrox Course:

Advanced Diver Certification is preferred.

Open Water divers wishing to participate should have at least fifteen logged dives and be enrolled in the Advanced Open Water Diver Course.

You must be 15 years of age or older.