Divers who use nitrox absorb less nitrogen, making them stay underwater for longer. They’re also less likely to get decompression sickness. It’s worth noting that older divers and those who’ve experienced decompression sickness or physical injuries can reduce no-decompression limits with the gas.
Should I dive nitrox or air?
Nitrox allows you to spend more time at depth compared to diving with air, which means you’ll get a lot more out of your diving holiday. Even if you’re only making one dive, but it’s deeper than 15 metres/50 feet, there are still benefits to be gained.
What is the 40% rule in nitrox diving?
As a result, most of our recreational Nitrox certification are limit to a mixture of 40% oxygen and in most of the cases, the highest Oxygen level in a Nitrox tank is about 36%. However, if a diver is using a higher percentage of oxygen in decompression diving, all scuba gears shall be oxygen cleaned before use.
Is it safe to dive with nitrox?
To be more precise, a gas, containing any percentage of oxygen, can cause toxicity at a high enough pressure. A diver using air, for example, would have to go over 198 feet (60 meters) deep to experience acute oxygen toxicity. The danger of Nitrox is that it brings this possibility within recreational diving depths.
Why do scuba divers use nitrox? – Related Questions
How deep can you dive on 32% nitrox?
Based on the 1.4 ATA limit, a nitrox mix with 32 percent oxygen has an MOD of 112 feet, and 36-percent nitrox has a maximum depth of 95 feet.
Does diving with nitrox feel different?
Today, after some 25 years of nitrox use in recreational diving, divers and scientists have gained very valuable operational experience. But some divers have made an observation for which science does not provide any evidence. Namely, they often report feeling less tired after diving on nitrox.
At what depth does nitrox become toxic?
Oxygen in high concentrations can become hazardous, potentially leading to acute oxygen toxicity, which can cause convulsions that can lead to drowning. Breathing air, a diver would have to descend to depths exceeding 200 feet in order for oxygen toxicity to become an issue.
Can you dive with nitrox without certification?
You must complete a course and get certified to use Nitrox anywhere in the world and enjoy it’s benefits. All major dive agencies have their version of the course, and any certificate will allow you to get Nitrox almost everywhere.
What poses the greatest risk to nitrox divers?
While an increase of 12 to 16 percent oxygen by volume may not seem drastic, it allows divers to significantly extend their bottom time, and decreases their risk of developing DCS. While diving with nitrox has definite benefits, it also has clearly associated risks. The major hazard is oxygen toxicity.
Do you need a special tank for nitrox?
No special tank is needed. However, the valve and tank must be O2 Compliant and they must be O2 Clean. Additionally, a Nitrox tank needs to have special markings on the outside to warn other divers that it may contain enriched air nitrox.
How long after diving with nitrox Can you fly?
Flying after diving increases your chance of developing Decompression Sickness (DCS). Dive professionals recommend waiting 12 hours after a single dive and 17 hours after repetitive dives. After multiple dive days or a decompression dive, you must wait 24 hours before flying (1).
Can you fly after nitrox diving?
DAN (Divers Alert Network) recommends 24 hours for repetitive dives, The US Air Force recommends 24 hours after any dive, while the US Navy tables recommend only 2 hours before flying to altitude.”
What is the point of nitrox?
A diver using Enriched Air Nitrox absorbs less nitrogen on any given dive than a diver using air. With less nitrogen in your body, the time required to ‘off gas’ in between dives is decreased. Giving you less time needed to kill in between dives and getting you back in the water sooner!
Why can’t you scuba dive and fly in the same day?
When flying after diving, the ascent to altitude increases the risk of decompression sickness (DCS) because of the additional reduction in atmospheric pressure. The higher the altitude, the greater the risk.
Can I use the same tank for air and nitrox?
Filling a Nitrox tank with air is possible. However, once you do the tank is no longer safe to be used for Nitrox until it has been oxygen serviced. Any tank having a standard air fill will need to be serviced before using EAN. If you plan on using both air and Nitrox, it may be best to get a second tank.
Is it worth getting Nitrox certified?
Is a nitrox certification “worth it”? If you fancy staying down longer and getting back in the water sooner, then yes; getting nitrox certified is worth it. You can take more photos, wave to more turtles, and spend more time exploring at depth. Many divers wait too long to try nitrox.
What should you do before diving with Nitrox?
Prior to every Nitrox dive, you must check your Nitrox dive computer to be sure that it is properly set for the mixture you are using. It is important to remember that there are two settings that you must take note of; the percentage of oxygen and the maximum PO2 to which you are willing to expose yourself.