Nitrox is simply a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen.

Air is composed of approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen.
Nitrox, Enriched Air, and EANx are commonly used in the diving community to refer to oxygen-nitrogen mixtures containing more oxygen than ordinary air; that is, more than 21% oxygen.

There are two standard nitrox mixtures (originally used by NOAA scientists), Nitrox I with 32% oxygen and 68% nitrogen, and Nitrox II with 36% oxygen and 64% nitrogen.

The main benefit to diving with enriched air mixtures is the reduced amount of nitrogen in the breathing gas.
Nitrogen absorbed in the body during a dive is what usually puts divers at risk for decompression sickness (DCS), or "the bends". Reducing the amount of nitrogen one breathes can reduce the risk of developing DCS.

Using the nitrox mixture EAD concept, bottom times can be extended. Because no-decompression limits are based on nitrogen absorption, less nitrogen means more bottom time (see table below). Many divers also report that they feel less fatigued after diving with nitrox (compared to similar dives using air).

* At 26 m. instead of 25 m.

Here below you will find some answers on frequently asked questios about Nitrox:

• Will the use of nitrox reduce air consumption?
• Can nitrox diver get bent?
• Can a nitrox diver who does get bent be treated in a chamber?
• Will nitrox reduce narcosis?
• Can I use nitrox for deep dives?
• Is nitrox safer than air?
• Are there other physiological considerations to using EAN?
• Can I use air and Nitrox on repetitive dives?
• Is it true that I'll have to replace all my equipment to use Nitrox?
• Who offers certification?

Will the use of nitrox reduce air consumption?
As breathing is primarily controlled by the carbon dioxide level in the blood rather than the oxygen level in the breathing gas, nitrox is not likely to directly affect consumption. Breathing rate may be indirectly affected by nitrox use through other factors, such as comfort level.

Can nitrox diver get bent?
Because there is still nitrogen in the breathing gas, nitrox diving can result in DCS just as air diving can. Used properly, however, nitrox can reduce the amount of nitrogen absorbed, thus reducing the risk of developing DCS.

Can a nitrox diver who does get bent be treated in a chamber?
While there have been rumors of chambers which refuse to treat nitrox divers, there is no medical evidence to support this.

Will nitrox reduce narcosis?
Although some divers report feeling less narcosis while using nitrox (narcosis, like air consumption, may be indirectly affected by nitrox use), a scientific study to test this was inconclusive; in fact, some subjects reported increased narcosis with higher oxygen content in the breathing mixture. It is now believed that oxygen may contribute as much to narcosis as does nitrogen.

Can I use nitrox for deep dives?
Nitrox is actually limited to even shallower depths than air due to the increased oxygen content.

Is nitrox safer than air?
The danger of oxygen toxicity, while present with any breathing mixture (including air), can become a problem at relatively shallow depths due to elevated partial pressures of oxygen (PO2). This can result in seizures, which are nearly always fatal underwater with standard SCUBA equipment, as they usually lead to drowning. This risk can be easily managed by adhering to recommended maximum operating depths (MOD) for enriched air mixtures. Used properly, nitrox has the potential to make certain dive profiles safer. Due to the additional complexity of selecting a mix, filling, and analyzing, as well as the danger from elevated PO2 levels and improper labeling of cylinders, many would disagree with the idea that nitrox is, overall, "safer" than air.

Are there other physiological considerations to using EAN?
Yes. Nitrox diver must calculate their total exposure to O2 during a series of dives and keep the exposure (commonly called the O2 clock) below certain levels. You will learn how to calculate this in your Nitrox certification course.

Can I use air and Nitrox on repetitive dives?
In a nutshell, yes! You can dive air on your first, Nitrox on the second or any combination of the above.

Is it true that I'll have to replace all my equipment to use Nitrox?
No. At the very minimum you will need to dedicate a cylinder for Nitrox use or rent them. All your other equipment can remain as is as long as you are diving EAN mixes below 40%. EAN 40 + requires a regulator assembly serviced for O2 service.

Who offers certification?
We do!