ENRICHED AIR NITROX (EANx)

The Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) Diver specialty course is a popular scuba diving certification that allows divers to use nitrox as a breathing gas during their dives. Nitrox is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, with an oxygen content higher than the standard air mixture. The most common blends of nitrox used in recreational diving are Nitrox32 (32% oxygen) and Nitrox36 (36% oxygen).

Here are key aspects of the Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) Diver specialty:

Benefits of Nitrox:

The primary advantage of using nitrox is the ability to extend bottom times compared to breathing regular air. Nitrox can reduce the amount of nitrogen absorbed by the body during a dive, which is beneficial for divers wanting longer no-decompression limits.

Course Content:

The EANx Diver course covers the following topics:

• • The benefits and risks of using enriched air nitrox.

  • Equipment considerations for diving with nitrox.

  • Analyzing and labeling nitrox cylinders.

  • Planning and executing nitrox dives, including managing oxygen exposure.

Oxygen Exposure Limits:

Divers learn about the maximum operational depth (MOD) for the specific nitrox blend they are using. The MOD is the depth beyond which the partial pressure of oxygen exceeds safe limits.

Dive Planning:

The course emphasizes dive planning with nitrox, including calculating no-decompression limits, maximum dive times, and appropriate surface intervals between dives.

Safety Considerations:

Safety is a crucial aspect of the EANx Diver course. Divers are educated on the potential risks of high oxygen partial pressures and how to avoid oxygen toxicity.

Prerequisites:

To enroll in the Enriched Air Nitrox Diver specialty, participants usually need to be at least 12 years old and have a minimum certification of Open Water Diver or an equivalent qualification.

Certification:

Upon successful completion of the course, divers receive the Enriched Air Nitrox Diver certification. This certification allows them to analyze and use nitrox mixes within the specified oxygen content limits.

Application:

Nitrox is commonly used in recreational diving, especially for multiple dives in a day or during dive trips where repetitive dives are planned. It's particularly popular for those who want to maximize their bottom time on the reef while minimizing surface intervals.

Divers should keep in mind that while nitrox provides benefits, it also introduces specific considerations and potential risks. Therefore, proper training and adherence to safety protocols are crucial. The Enriched Air Nitrox Diver specialty is an excellent choice for divers looking to optimize their dive profiles and enjoy longer underwater experiences.