Enriched Air Nitrox Diver
This is the entry level certification course for recreational divers wishing to utilize enriched air nitrox (EAN) as a breathing gas. This course will provide the diver with the information necessary to utilize oxygen enriched air, with emphasis on no-stop diving.
The Course Ouline was authored by Joel Silverstein and Dr. Bill Hamilton. It is used as an outline for Enriched Air Diver courses taught by instructors world wide who teach for NOAA, NAUI, YMCA and other training organizations.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The objective of this course is to train divers in the benefits, hazards, and proper procedures for using nitrox mixes from 22% to 40% oxygen content.
STUDENT PRE-REQUISITES
Minimum age 15
Minimum certification of Diver or current enrollment in a diver course.
Minimum of 10 (ten) logged dives, or the equivalent at the discretion of the instructor, or the nitrox program may be taught in conjunction with an openwater diver certification.
(Each instructor/facility may have other requirements.)
COURSE POLICIES
Dives shall not exceed a depth of 130 fsw (40 msw) or 1.4 atm PO2, whichever is less. No planned dives requiring actual decompression stops on the appropriate EAN tables are to be permitted. This course may be taught as a NAUI Recognition Program if the open water training dives are not included. Recognition may be upgraded to EAN Diver certification upon completion (within six months) of the required dives under supervision of a NAUI EAN Instructor.
SKILL REQUIREMENTS
At least two dives may to made using EAN, one of which may be a repetitive dive. The students will analyze their own breathing mixture and plan and safely execute each dive.
Dives can be conducted with us or referred to your vacation destination. Boat fees are additional. Students are required to have tanks for two enriched air dives. Enriched Air rental tanks are available.
COURSE FEES
$275 - $325 (depending on location) text book included. Boat fees, quarry fees and gas are additional.
REQUIRED SUBJECT AREAS
The following topics must be covered during this course. The TDI Nitrox Manual is mandatory for use during this course but instructors may use any additional text or materials that they feel help present these topics.
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A. History of EAN
B. Physiology
1. Oxygen
2. Nitrogen
C. Physics
1. Pressure review
2. Partial pressures
D. Equipment Considerations
1. 40% oxygen content and less
2. Above 40% oxygen content
E. Dive Tables
1. Equivalent Air Depth (introduction of concept only for demonstration)
2. EAN Tables
3. Switching mixes on repetitive dives
F. Dive Computers
1. Mix adjustable
2. 02 integrated
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G. Advantages and Disadvantages of EAN
1. Use as air for physiological advantage with air tables or computers
2. Use to extend no-decompression bottom times or shorten surface
intervals
3. Oxygen toxicity hazards and depth limits
4. Discussion of myths and facts regarding EAN mixtures
H. Procedures
1. Use and theory of oxygen analyzer
2. Gas analysis and logging
I. Common Mixing Procedures
1. Partial pressure blending
2. Continuous blending
3. Membrane separation system
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QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES
In order to complete this course, students must:
A. Satisfactorily complete the TDI Nitrox Course written examination
B. Demonstrate understanding of oxygen analysis for nitrox mixtures
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in diving activities utilizing EAN 22 to EAN 40 without direct supervision.
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are qualified to enroll in:
1. TDI Advanced Nitrox Course
2. TDI Decompression Procedures Course
3. TDI Semi-closed Rebreather Course
Since entry level nitrox is essentially an information and academic based course, no dives are specifically required as there are no skills to evaluate. However, optional dives are desirable to effectively demonstrate the advantages of EAN use in practical field use. If scheduled, no direct instructor supervision is required but dives should not be conducted in environments that may exceed the existing skill or depth levels of the student. Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are considered competent to utilize EAN in open water diving activities without direct supervision, provided the diving activities and the areas dived approximate those of training.
SUPPORT MATERIALS
A. TDI Student Record Folder
B. TDI Nitrox Student Manual
C. TDI Nitrox Slides I Overheads I Power Point Presentation
D. TDI EAD I P02 Tables
Who do you train with?
That's a reasonable question. Not all Enriched Air instructors are alike. Here at www.NitroxDiver.com you have an opportunity to train with the people who developed the program. We have training programs all over the country. If you are unable to work with us, because of scheduling or location issues, your next best choice is to train under instructors who we have trained. Go to the instructor screen and see who is available near you.
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