The PADI Enriched Air Diver course is PADI’s most popular specialty scuba course. Why? Because scuba diving with enriched air nitrox gives you more no decompression time, especially on repetitive scuba dives. If staying down longer and getting back in the water sooner sounds appealing, then don’t hesitate to become an enriched air diver.
If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the Enriched Air Diver Specialty course. Note that in some regions the minimum age is older than 12.
You’ll learn why diving with air that has higher oxygen and lower nitrogen content gives you more bottom time, along with enriched air equipment considerations. During a practical session, and two optional (or required) scuba dives, you’ll:
Most modern scuba equipment and dive computers can be used with enriched air, but your PADI Instructor will let you know if your gear meets manufacturer recommendations and local requirements. However, scuba cylinders must meet oxygen service standards and be dedicated for use with enriched air. You’ll practice using oxygen analyzers and special cylinder decals.
What is included?
Price includes all tuition, all PADI materials (manual) and the PADI PIC (Licence Card). The course guides you through the safe practice of diving on enriched air, which is anything over 21% oxygen. You will learn about maximum and contingency depths for any given percentage. How to test the contents of a cylinder and set your computer from air mode to the correct Nitrox percentage. How to work out safe diving depths for any given mixture.
Being a dry course this one is great for the colder weather and is a mixture of a PADI Manual and Knowledge Reviews, PowerPoint presentation, DVD and practical tasks such a completing a Nitrox Fill Log and testing gas. There is a multiple choice examination for this course.
You can SAVE money by undertaking this course whilst on a Divecrew Holiday. Another option is to add Nitrox to the PADI Advanced Diver Course and one of the dives will be undertaken on Nitrox.