SSI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Speciality
The Enriched Air Nitrox(EAN) or generally referred to as Nitrox speciality introduces you to all things Nitrox. This is air with a higher concentration of oxygen in it. Breathing a higher concentration of Oxygen means you are breathing less Nitrogen, which means you increase your no-stop times (the length of time you can stay diving, in simple terms).
This allows you to stay underwater which means you have longer to explore and maybe take those pictures you so desperately want to take, any excuse to stay underwater you wish really.
Not interested in longer bottom times, then one other advantage is shorter surface interval times and it makes you feel less tired if you do a lot of diving in a week (scientifically unproven, but a large number of divers agree!)
A larger number of dive resorts are now providing nitrox free to qualified divers particularly if they are a long distance away from a hyperbaric chamber, so if free and it provides the benefits we have mentioned then why not dive it
BUT there are downsides to breathing higher concentrations of Oxygen and during this course you will learn about those to allow you to understand the pro's and con's.
Also, it is essential that if qualified to dive on Nitrox you own or have access to an analyser. You simply should not rely on the cylinder filling station to fill your cylinders with the correct mix every time without getting it wrong now and then. People make mistakes, so each diver needs to be self-responsible and analyse their own breathing gas.
On completing this course you will be able to dive with Nitrox up to a maximum of 40% oxygen.
This Speciality certification also counts as one of the five Speciality certifications required for your SSI Master Scuba Diver certification. This certification is automatically awarded on logging 50 dives, 5 Specialities and achieving Diver Stress and Rescue
What Do I need?
- Open Water Diver (or equivalent qualification)
- 10 years or older for this course
- Dive Computer (we will provide for the course if you do not have)
What will I do during this course?
You will complete some self study using the supplied e-learning, followed by an in class session, where you will:-
- Learn how to care for equipment used in enriched air diving
- Learn how to avoid possible operational hazards and underwater hazards associated with oxygen
- Learn to setup and use a Nitrox analyser
- Practise analysing two cylinders or more as required and completing the required paperwork
- Practise marking the cylinder as part of dive equipment preparation for a dive
- Using the results of the cylinders analysed, configure your dive computer and plan a suitable dive.
- If you have chosen to complete the speciality with dives then you will plan and make no decompression dives using enriched air blends containing 22% to 40% oxygen, remaining within accepted dive table and oxygen exposure limits using tables and dive computers
- Learn about Daltons Triangle and how to use
But I do not own a computer
If you do not own a computer, not an issue, we will supply you with one of our school computers either an Aqualung i300c or a Suunto EON Core. But, if you do, please bring it along.
However, to get the best out of this course it is better to have your own computers, we have quite a few in stock and can advise accordingly. Have a read of our choosing a computer article to start to give some thought to the features you would like in a computer
Materials
As part of your course you will be be provided with access to the online SSI academics for you to complete the online learning element
Any Other Information?
Yes, you can choose to complete TWO open water dives using Nitrox for an uplift in price
Yes, see our article that explains all about enriched air / Nitrox
Whats Next?
The primary aim of gaining additional bottom time or shorter surface intervals is to go diving, so come diving with us or book that trip you know you want to go on. We would be happy to facilitate for you.
Want To Know More
Nottingham Scuba Diving Facility
The training facility at our Nottingham location features a purpose-built pool that is 4 meters deep and 10 meters in diameter, providing an exceptional environment for scuba diving training. The pool boasts fantastic visibility and maintains a constant temperature of around 29 degrees, ensuring optimal comfort for all divers.
A 1.6-meter training platform extends over 50% of the pool's bottom surface, offering ample space for practicing various diving skills. The pool's unique design, with a bottom depth of 4 meters, allows divers to swim in a 30-meter circular path, simulating open water conditions. This facility also includes a gas filling station, a classroom, and an equipment showroom, making it a comprehensive training center for divers of all levels.
Oakham Swimming Pool
The 25m heated swimming pool at Oakham School's Leisure Centre is perfect for scuba diver training and kids' diving courses. This state-of-the-art facility provides laned sections for focused training and a comfortable, warm environment, ensuring an ideal learning experience for divers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're refining your technique or introducing children to the wonders of diving, our pool offers the perfect setting.
Our pool session(s) are on Saturday evenings from 18:00 - 20:00, with a meet at the Dive Centre prior (this time will be confirmed when you book). The time at the Dive Centre is spent on various activities depending on which course you are undertaking but for all first session this will involve introducing you to your instructor, the dive equipment you will be using in the pool, a safety briefing and the evenings activities. During non term time then we have a pool session available on a Thursday from 19:00 - 21:00.
First Aid Words
First Aid Words
Our team of highly experienced instructors will be on hand to guide you through every step of the way
