Diving with Nitrox:
PADI Enriched Air Diver
One of the most popular PADI courses
It's clear that diving with Nitrox (EAD = Enriched Air Diving) is becoming increasingly popular. The biggest advantages of diving with oxygen-enriched air are that you can extend your no-decompression limits and shorten your surface intervals.
Many people also mention that it makes them less tired and improves their concentration – but this is likely a personal experience. To dive with Nitrox, you need this course, as you won't be able to get Nitrox tanks otherwise, and even if you do, absolutely do not dive with them. There are a few things to keep in mind. You can also integrate this course into your PADI Advanced Diver course.
Your PADI EAD course:
Theory: In the theory section, you'll primarily learn about the effects of nitrogen and oxygen on our bodies. As you probably remember from your PADI Open Water Diver course, nitrogen is responsible for decompression sickness. When diving without NITROX, you use a gas mixture of approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. This is where EAD diving comes in. EAD stands for Enriched Air Diving, which means diving with enriched oxygen. To reduce the amount of nitrogen, a mixture containing more oxygen than nitrogen is added to your tank. For example: EAN31 = 31% oxygen / 69% nitrogen. This means your body absorbs less nitrogen, allowing you to extend your no-decompression limits. So why not just use 100% oxygen? You'll learn the theory behind this in the theory section of this course.
Dive: We will simulate a dive. Here we will show you how to check your gas mixture and what you need to pay attention to. We will also plan this dive thoroughly. We can also integrate this directly into a dive or other training course.
Start with the diving theory now!
Get started with PADI eLearning
With the PADI eLearning® system, you can start the theoretical part of the course right away and work at your own pace. This convenient, interactive learning option allows you to learn anytime, anywhere you have an internet connection.
After completing your eLearning program, you can start the practical part of the course directly with us (or at any other PADI dive center worldwide). We will deduct the amount you paid for the practical part from your course fee.
Further information
How do I get to you?
You have several options. There is free parking directly in front of our dive center, and a bus station is a 2-minute walk away. We can also pick you up from your accommodation in the Paralimni, Protaras, and Ayia Napa area. There is a small additional charge for this service.
What theory do I learn in the PADI Enriched Air Diver course, and is there an exam?
Here you'll learn about nitrogen, oxygen, and safety when diving with NITROX. Finally, there's a test to check your knowledge.
Do I need my own equipment?
No, of course not. You don't need to buy or bring any equipment. However, if you already have your own equipment, you can benefit from a 10% discount on your course. With us, though, all the equipment you need is included in the course price.
Can I dive longer using NITROX?
Yes and no. You can dive longer in terms of your no-decompression limit, but your tank will still contain the same amount of air, and you'll still need the same amount to fill your lungs. So, if you can empty your tank in 20 minutes, you'll likely still be doing so after your Nitrox course.
Do I need a dive computer?
We provide a dive computer free of charge for your NITROX course dive. However, we strongly recommend that you purchase your own. Most dive centers don't provide a properly functioning dive computer, if they provide one at all. Along with your mask and snorkel, this is essential equipment. We'd be happy to advise you in our shop.
Can I take the NITROX course without diving?
Yes, that's possible. We'll simply conduct a simulated dive where we check the air mixture.
