PADI's Enriched Air Diver course and SSI’s Enriched Air Nitrox online course are good options if you're looking to earn your scuba divers certification. However, you may be wondering how to get started. This article will explain how to start, and the benefits and drawbacks of each. In addition, you'll learn about online nitrox certification programs.
PADI's Enriched Air Diver course
PADI Enriched Air Diver Course teaches students how safe to plan and prepare for enriched-air dives. It is mostly computer-based and typically lasts an evening. The course can be combined with other PADI courses including Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver. Nitrox dives are included as part of this course, but you can complete them on your own, if you prefer.
The course is delivered through interactive multimedia presentations and audio. These are easy to understand, retain, and use. A few short quizzes will test your ability to follow the course. The course includes a Quick Review, a practical application session, two enriched air training dives, and pre-dive simulations. PADI recommends completing the eLearning part of the course at the least one year before diving with Nitrox.
SSI's Enriched Air Nitrox course
The EnrichedAir Nitrox course from SSI is a great choice if you want to increase your bottom times and decrease your surface intervals. This course covers gas theory and proper mixing of enrich air. It also covers how to mark your tank. Learn how to calculate the optimal enriched mix for your depth and plan your dives so that you make the most of enriched oxygen.
After completing an Open Water Diver (or Advanced Open Water Diver) course, SSI's EnrichedAir Nitrox training course will provide the skills and knowledge to safely dive using enriched oxygen. You can also use it to plan future dives and reduce decompression sickness. Once you complete the course and pass the exams, you will be able to use the enriched air cylinder safely.
Online learning options available for nitrox certification
You can get your enriched-air certification in two ways: online or in a classroom. For the classroom course you will need to have a dive computer in order to learn the skills. It will take about an hour to complete the classroom portion of your enriched-air certification. It is possible to combine the course with an Advanced Open Water, PADI Open Water or PADI Open Water course. If you have limited time, you can also sign up for private classes or take advantage of online learning resources. You can also take the course online, and do the nitrox dives offline.
A manual, a cylinder and a dive computer are required for the course. You can practice your skills using an app that simulates an enhanced air cylinder if you have an option for online learning. The EANx36 cylinder will work in both a classroom or online eLearning class. Students must be at least 12 years of age and must have a scuba computer to participate in the class.