More flexibility on certain dive profiles
Because Nitrox contains less nitrogen than ordinary air, it can provide additional no-decompression time on certain dive profiles. This can be particularly useful when completing multiple dives over several days.
The actual benefit depends on the oxygen percentage, depth, dive profile and your computer or dive plan.
Nitrox does not simply mean “dive deeper.”
Each Nitrox mixture has operating limits based on its oxygen content. Part of your training is learning how oxygen percentage and exposure affect the depth at which a particular mix can be safely planned and used.
Learn it. Analyze it. Set your computer.
Once your PADI learning is complete, the practical portion is normally completed in approximately half a day.
Understand Enriched Air
Learn how oxygen percentage, nitrogen exposure and dive planning change when using Nitrox.
Manage Oxygen Exposure
Understand the importance of oxygen limits and how they affect your planned dive.
Check Your Cylinder
Learn how to analyze the oxygen percentage in an enriched-air cylinder and record the mix before diving.
Set Your Dive Computer
Learn how to correctly configure your dive computer for the analyzed oxygen percentage.
Know what's actually in your cylinder
Nitrox certification is not simply about completing theory. You'll also learn the practical process used to confirm and document the breathing gas you're planning to use.
Measure the oxygen percentage in the cylinder.
Verify the analyzed gas matches the planned dive.
Document the mix and required cylinder information.
Set your dive computer for the analyzed oxygen percentage.
Complete the certification without adding a training dive.
The BPDC Enriched Air Diver course does not require a scuba dive. The practical portion focuses on analyzing enriched air, identifying the mix and correctly configuring your dive computer.
Nitrox course requirements
Students must hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification or an equivalent recognized scuba certification.
Students must be at least 12 years old to begin Enriched Air Diver training.
Complete the required PADI Enriched Air learning before or as part of your course.
Complete the practical cylinder-analysis and dive computer portion with BPDC.
Maximum 6 students per instructor
The practical session is limited to a maximum of six students so everyone can participate directly in gas analysis and dive-computer setup.
Approximately half a day after eLearning
When your required PADI learning is completed before arrival, the practical Nitrox session can normally be completed in approximately half a day.
Finish the required knowledge development before meeting with your instructor.
Review the material, analyze cylinders and practice setting your dive computer.
There is no fixed public daily start time for the course. Scheduling is arranged based on availability.
PADI Enriched Air Diver
Our primary course price includes the required PADI learning and the practical Enriched Air training with BPDC.
Your complete course includes:
- Required PADI Enriched Air learning
- Instructor knowledge review
- Nitrox planning instruction
- Oxygen-exposure review
- Cylinder-analysis training
- Gas-recording procedures
- Dive-computer setup practice
If the required PADI Enriched Air learning has already been purchased and completed separately, you can complete the remaining course requirements with BPDC.
Pickup can be coordinated upon request. Additional charges may apply depending on location.
PADI Enriched Air Diver FAQs
What is Enriched Air Nitrox?
Enriched Air Nitrox is a breathing gas containing a higher percentage of oxygen and a lower percentage of nitrogen than ordinary air.
Why do divers use Nitrox?
Nitrox can provide additional no-decompression time on certain dive profiles because it contains less nitrogen than ordinary air. The actual benefit depends on the mix, depth and individual dive profile.
Does Nitrox let me dive deeper?
Nitrox should not be treated as a way to simply increase depth. Each enriched-air mixture has operating limits based on its oxygen percentage, and those limits are part of your course training and dive planning.
Do I need to complete any scuba dives for the certification?
No. BPDC's Enriched Air Diver course does not require a certification dive.
What do I do during the practical session?
You'll review Enriched Air planning, analyze the oxygen percentage in a cylinder, document the gas mix and practice configuring your dive computer correctly.
How long does the course take?
Once the required PADI eLearning is completed, the practical portion can normally be completed in approximately half a day. Exact scheduling is coordinated with BPDC.
Do I need to already be scuba certified?
Yes. Students must already hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification or an equivalent recognized scuba certification.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age for BPDC's Enriched Air Diver course is 12 years.
What is the maximum class size?
BPDC limits the course to a maximum of six students per instructor.
Is there a minimum number of students?
No. There is no minimum number of students required for the course to operate.
Is PADI eLearning included in the $240.00 course price?
Additional-party pricing is controlled in the booking system.
What if I already purchased and completed PADI eLearning?
Rate: $240.00 USD before GST. Includes PADI e-learning materials.