SSI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Speciality
The Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN) Specialty, commonly referred to as simply Nitrox, introduces you to everything you need to know about diving with enriched air.
Nitrox is air with a higher concentration of oxygen and a correspondingly lower amount of nitrogen. Because you are breathing less nitrogen, your body absorbs less of it during a dive. In simple terms, this allows you to increase your no-stop time — the length of time you can stay underwater before requiring decompression stops.
For most divers, this means more time to do what you love underwater — whether that’s exploring reefs, photographing marine life, or simply enjoying longer, more relaxed dives.
Why Dive Nitrox?
If longer bottom times aren’t your main goal, Nitrox still offers other benefits.
One key advantage is shorter surface intervals, allowing you to return to the water sooner on repetitive dive days.
Many divers also report feeling less fatigued after multiple dives in a day or week (while this is largely anecdotal, it is a commonly observed benefit across the diving community).
As a result, more dive centres and resorts now provide Nitrox as standard — and in some locations it is even offered free of charge to qualified divers, particularly where access to a hyperbaric chamber is limited. If it’s available, and it provides clear benefits, it makes sense to use it.
Important Considerations
However, breathing a higher oxygen mix is not without additional considerations.
During this course, you will also learn about the risks associated with Nitrox, including oxygen exposure limits and Maximum Operating Depth (MOD). Understanding both the benefits and the limitations ensures you can dive safely and confidently with Enriched Air.
Self-Responsibility and Gas Analysis
If you are qualified to dive Nitrox, it is essential that you either own or have reliable access to a gas analyser.
You should never rely solely on a filling station label or assumption that a cylinder has been filled correctly. Mistakes can happen, and as a responsible diver, you must independently verify your breathing gas before every dive.
Gas analysis is a core part of safe Nitrox diving and reinforces good dive discipline and self-reliance.
Certification Limits and Progression
On completion of the Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty, you will be qualified to dive Nitrox mixtures up to a maximum of 40% oxygen.
This Specialty also counts towards your SSI Master Scuba Diver certification, which is awarded once you have:
-
Logged 50 dives
-
Completed 5 SSI Specialties
-
Achieved SSI Diver Stress & 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 THE SSI ENRICHED AIR SPECIALITY 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
We have a bundle for you including the Computer Diving and Enriched Air Specialities - two specialities at a reduced price.. so great value - you can find that here
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 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
Take your diving to the next level with our SSI Enriched Air (Nitrox) and Computer Diving Speciality Bundle. Perfect for divers who want to stay longer, dive smarter, and make the most out of every underwater adventure! And when purchasing both together you make a saving!
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
Yes, if the advertised date(s) do not work for you, get in touch as it is possible subject to availability that we can run at other times to suit.
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.
Prior to any Diver training course students need to complete a Mandatory Medical Questionaire.
Please ensure that you have read the Medical Statement and are sure that you will be able to commence any diver training PRIOR to paying as our Training Terms Conditions apply after payment has been made.
A doctor's confirmation of fitness to dive is required if you answer YES to any medical condition on the Medical Statement.
Please note that if you need a Physician signoff most of our local surgeries WILL NOT sign this form, we suggest you contact Midlands Dive Chamber 01788 579 555 in this instance.
You can check out the Medical Statement here:
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
First Aid
Our team of highly experienced instructors will be on hand to guide you through every step of the way