The most popular of all PADI specialties
The PADI Enriched Air (also known as Nitrox) course qualifies a diver to use air enriched with up to 40% oxygen. Why would you want to? With some of the nitrogen replaced with oxygen bottom times can safely be increased, in some instances up to nearly twice that of air without requiring decompression stops. The tank still holds the same amount of gas and so doesn't last any longer, but times as determined by nitrogen loading (table or computer times) are considerably increased. Because the pressure group after a dive is less (than that of an air dive) surface intervals are more effective in reducing nitrogen loading, thus allowing more repetitive dives. These benefits of using enriched air are most apparent in the 15 to 35 metre depth range.
The other advantage cited by nitrox divers is reduced tiredness after a dive or series of dives. This hasn't been proved scientifically but every nitrox diver seems to agree that it is real.
There are some hazards associated with using enriched air, these hazards and the appropriate precautions and safety procedures are covered thoroughly in the course.
This course has several evenings of theory followed by two dives using enriched air. This is the only PADI course where dives can be credited to two courses at once. This lends itself to combination with the Advanced Open Water course (or Deep Diver course) where five dives can complete the diving requirements of both an Advanced course and an Enriched air course, thus saving money on the cost of the two courses run separately.
For those with an interest in Technical or Rebreather diving, the Enriched air certification is a requirement for these courses.
For further information contact Ezidive and check the Course Schedule.