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NITROX
Nitrox holds a smaller amount of nitrogen than normal compressed air. The nitrogen-narcosis and the decompression sickness are caused by nitrogen.
It is especially recommended for those doing repetitive dives. With Nitrox your body absorbs less nitrogen what makes diving safer for you.
Take the chance and dive Nitrox with us.
*text partly adopted from the "tauchen" booklet 1/2004 by Hedda Hoepfner. Thank you for the permission.
WHAT IS NITROX?
Nitrox means Nitrogen (“N i t r”) and Oxygen (“o x”).
It is not a complicated mixture of gases. The Nitrox compressor just reduces the amount of nitrogen, so you get more oxygen. Depending on the amount of oxygen in the gas it called e.g. Nitrox32 when the gas mixture has 32% of oxygen in it.
ADVANTAGES OF NITROX:
Why is it a good idea to dive with Nitrox?
Nitrox holds a smaller amount of nitrogen than normal compressed air. Therefore the body absorbs less of it. Thus the risk of developing signs of decompression sickness is clearly reduced. Furthermore the higher percentage of oxygen provides more well-being.
Diving with Nitrox and using the computer in the air-mode means much more safety.
Who should dive with Nitrox?
You don´t have to be a technical diver in order to dive with Nitrox. It is suitable for everyone. It is especially recommended for those diving a lot or doing repetitive dives during their holidays, where sometimes night- or early morning dives increase the number of dives per day.
Also for those who just began their life as a diver Nitrox is recommended, because sometimes they still have some difficulties to control their buoyancy especially in shallow areas, what leads to many "ups and downs".
Do I need new equipment to dive with Nitrox?
No, it is not necessary outside Germany and Austria (they have special regulations). Up to an amount of 40% of oxygen you are allowed to use normal equipment.
If you want to use the prolonged remaining bottom time, which is another aspect of diving with Nitrox, you should dive with a computer which is able to handle this (available for rent in our office).
Good to know:
Deep diving and Nitrox are not matching. The higher percentage of oxygen reduces your maximum depth. Divers using Nitrox have to know about the percentage of oxygen in their tanks to avoid going beyond the depth limits. "Deep divers" may get some bad surprises.
Education is necessary!
Divers who are interested in diving with Nitrox may take part in two courses.
Nitrox level 1: diving with max 32% oxygen and only with air-mode
Or
Nitrox level 2: diving with up to 40% of oxygen, knowledge about the
prolonged RBT and reduced depth limits.
It is possible (and is recommended) to combine both courses.
Necessary qualification:
You have to be a certified diver (certificate internationally valid) and you need a valid medical statement.
- level 1: minimum age: 15 years
- level 2: minimum age: 15 years