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Enriched Air (sometimes called “NITROX") means, that the air contains more than 21 % Oxygen. In scuba diving we use enriched air with a part of oxygen between 32% and 40 %. Divers use enriched air to increase the decompression limits compared to the decompression limits of compressed air. When you dive with enriched air a part of the nitrogen, which you would breath in under water, is replaced by oxygen, so that you absorb less nitrogen than you would have done on the same dive using compressed air. |
| Isn't it for deep diving? Unfortunately, misinformation abounds concerning the use and application of EANx. EANx is not used for deep diving, however it has a place as a decompression gas from deep air/trimix/heliox dives. It is actually ideal for depths between 10 and 50 metres. What about Oxygen toxicity? As a certified air diver, you were taught how to monitor your Nitrogen intake by using a set of dive tables. The deeper the depth, the shorter the amount of allowable no-decompression bottom time available due to Nitrogen loading. The same principle applies to Oxygen at greater depths. The greater the depth, the shorter the bottom time. Oxygen toxicity (on air or nitrox) usually comes into play deeper than at standard recreational depths. EANx dive tables provide a reliable, safe, and easy way to dive between 10 and 50m, while taking advantage of the EANx benefits. What are the benefits of EANx? EANx diving has many advantages over air diving. Some of the benefits are:
EANx, when used with standard air dive tables or computers, provides a tremendous safety factor. In fact, when utilised in this fashion, the actual Nitrogen accumulation is that for a 3 to 6m shallower dive. This application of EANx is actually ideal for divers who wish to be more conservative, those indivduals who are not as young as they once were, or those who are not in good physical fitness.
A significant increase in bottom time (no-decompression limits).
A reduction in Nitrogen Narcosis.
A reduction of decompression time if the no-decompression limits are exceeded.
Reduced fatigue after the dive (declared by many EANx divers). I keep reading/hearing that Nitrox (EANx) is dangerous - is this true? Unfortunately, the opponents of EANx usually lack the certification, experience and complete understanding/knowledge therein to adequately write and report on EANx recreational use. Accidents have not occurred with EANx among properly trained EANx divers. Concerning treatment of decompression sickness and EANx use: All competent chamber facilities will treat air and EANx DCS. If a chamber facility and/or operator cannot, be wary, as they are not competently educated in recompression therapy. Are there special equipment requirements for EANx? Your standard SCUBA gear can be used with EANx with percentages of Oxygen up to 40%. All EANx cylinders and other SCUBA exposed to more than 40% Oxygen must be professionally cleaned. Cylinders for EANx use are colour coded and dedicated. All cylinders used for Partial Pressure blending must be both oxygen clean and equipped with compatible components. See your local Dive Centre for information. |
Do I have to be certified to use EANx? YES! Instructors and Dive Centres offer many certification courses with Enriched Air Diver to start your certification. You can continue on with Advanced EANx Diver, Technical EANx Diver, EANx Overhead Environment Diver, Deep Air Diver, Advanced Deep Air Diver, Trimix Diver, Rebreather Diver and many more! |
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