Understanding Nitrox: Benefits and Advantages Explained
What is Nitrox and Why Should You Use It for Scuba Diving?
When you first begin scuba diving in Phuket, the underwater world feels vast and full of marvels. As you gain experience, you explore deeper depths, extend your dive times, and develop a greater awareness of the diving environment. One progression many divers make as they advance is transitioning from standard air to a gas mixture known as Nitrox. But what exactly is Nitrox, and why do so many divers prefer it over regular air?
In this blog, we’ll delve into the details of Nitrox, explaining what it is, how it works, and the benefits it offers. Whether you’re a recreational diver aiming to increase your bottom time or a professional looking to enhance safety during deeper dives, understanding Nitrox can unlock new opportunities underwater. Let’s explore how Nitrox can transform your diving experience.
What is Nitrox?
The air we breathe on the surface and the air in a standard scuba tank both consist of approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen, with trace elements of other gases.
Nitrox, however, is a term used to describe a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen. In recreational diving, Nitrox typically refers to blends with an oxygen content between 21% and 40%, with the remainder being nitrogen.
These blends are identified by their oxygen percentage. For instance, Nitrox 32 and Nitrox 36 contain 32% and 36% oxygen, respectively. Technically, regular air could be considered Nitrox 21, as it contains around 21% oxygen.
It’s important to note that while “Nitrox” and “enriched air” are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same. “Nitrox” refers to any blend of nitrogen and oxygen, while “enriched air” specifically describes blends with more than 21% oxygen.
To dive with Nitrox, divers must complete specialized training. At AAA Diving, we offer the PADI Enriched Air Diver course, equipping divers with the skills and knowledge necessary to safely use Nitrox.
Benefits of Diving with Nitrox
- Extended Bottom Times
Nitrox used in recreational diving has a higher oxygen percentage and lower nitrogen content than standard air. This reduced nitrogen intake allows divers to extend their no-decompression limits, enabling them to stay underwater longer without requiring decompression stops. For example, at 18 meters, the no-decompression limit for regular air (21% oxygen) is 56 minutes, while for Nitrox 32, it is 74 minutes, and for Nitrox 36, it extends to 93 minutes. - Reduced Surface Intervals
Because divers using Nitrox absorb less nitrogen at a given depth and dive time compared to those using air, they have less nitrogen to off-gas during surface intervals. This can significantly reduce the time needed between dives, allowing for more frequent diving sessions. - Increased Bottom Times for Repetitive Dives
Nitrox is particularly advantageous for divers who plan to complete multiple dives in a day, such as those on liveaboard trips. As Nitrox reduces nitrogen absorption, divers can enjoy longer bottom times during repetitive dives compared to using air. - Reduced Fatigue
Many divers report feeling less tired after using Nitrox compared to similar dives using air. The reduced nitrogen absorption may help alleviate post-dive fatigue, enhancing overall diving comfort.
PADI Enriched Air Diver Course at Aussie Divers Phuket
At AAADiving, we offer the PADI Enriched Air Diver course at competitive rates. The course can be completed as a theory-only program in just 1.5 hours, which includes online learning, quizzes, and an exam. In the classroom, you’ll learn to analyze Nitrox tanks and set a dive computer for Nitrox. Alternatively, you can complete the Nitrox course during one of our Phuket dive tours to popular locations like the Racha Islands or Phi Phi/Shark Point, where you can perform 2 to 3 dives using enriched air/Nitrox.
Diving with Nitrox opens up a new world of diving possibilities, allowing for longer, safer, and more enjoyable underwater experiences.