IANTD Nitrox class vs. others

[DiveMaven]

What can anyone tell me about the differences between IANTD Nitrox vs. the other agencies classroom curriculum?

We're planning to get Nitrox certified through an IANTD instructor who told us that his Nitrox class takes 8 hours in the classroom to complete. Since our local PADI, NAUI, and SSI shops all say theirs takes no more than 4 hours in the classroom to complete, I'm wondering what the difference is.

(He said he didn't know for sure since he hasn't done anything with another training agency since about 1982 when he got his OW).

 

[wedivebc]

What can anyone tell me about the differences between IANTD Nitrox vs. the other agencies classroom curriculum?

We're planning to get Nitrox certified through an IANTD instructor who told us that his Nitrox class takes 8 hours in the classroom to complete. Since our local PADI, NAUI, and SSI shops all say theirs takes no more than 4 hours in the classroom to complete, I'm wondering what the difference is.

(He said he didn't know for sure since he hasn't done anything with another training agency since about 1982 when he got his OW).

I think the fact that the class takes twice as long speaks volumes for which is the better class.
If you are planning on any diving beyond basic recreational I would suggest taking nitrox from a recognized tech agency (IANTD, TDI, ANDI...)

 

[loosebits]

I took IANTD adv nitrox. Materials were good I suppose although considering I'd degreed in chemistry in college and had spent semesters on gas laws, it was incredibly basic. I was wanting to discuss the O2 window and bubble models but I don't think I'll ever find a scuba class that does any more than mentions it.

I took Nitrox through TDI. At the time they didn't require dives (not sure if that's still true) which I think makes a lot of sense. There is absolutely zero difference between diving nitrox and diving air, you just can't go as deep. I guess the instructor might want to see if you can keep your depth above the maximum operating depth of the mix you are diving but since most nitrox classes around here do it in a 60' deep quarry, that isn't even an issue for common nitrox mixtures.

If you're comfortable with math, I honestly don't think it matters which class you take. If you aren't, take the class with the longest classroom time.

 

[neil]

What can anyone tell me about the differences between IANTD Nitrox vs. the other agencies classroom curriculum?

We're planning to get Nitrox certified through an IANTD instructor who told us that his Nitrox class takes 8 hours in the classroom to complete. Since our local PADI, NAUI, and SSI shops all say theirs takes no more than 4 hours in the classroom to complete, I'm wondering what the difference is.

I don't think the advertised length of time spent in the classroom has anything to do with the quality of the course. I did Nitrox with IANTD. The written material, if it hasn't changed recently, is disjointed and sometimes confusing, but complete. I teach the NAUI Nitrox course and am qualified to teach the PADI course. Of those two I think the NAUI is the more comprehensive and it usually doesn't take all day to teach the classroom portion.

 

[PerroneFord]

I also did IANTD Nitrox. Class was fine, materials left something to be desired. I'm glad I took it after seeing some of the stuff from other agencies.

 

[Wayward Son]

The IANTD book is not going to be easily absorbed by most people, I think, without a good instructor.

I've only taken IANTD & not the others, so I have no way to offer a comparison.

 

[Blackwood]

The written material, if it hasn't changed recently, is disjointed and sometimes confusing, but complete

I'd like to add this caveat: The material isn't confusing, but it's very poorly written.

I'd say it's mostly complete, but if you flip through the quizzes, you'll find at least one question regarding material that isn't covered (at least in my copy of the text).

 

[Lead_carrier]

I took the IANTD course before any of the other rec agencies offered it. It only took us about 4 hours to do it. Even tho we were supposed to do the dives our instructor skipped them. I teach SSI EANx and from what I've seen of the other agencies courses the biggest things are it has been simplified and not as math heavy as the IANTD material.

If you're planning on doing advanced nitrox and deco procedures. Find an instructor that you like and teaches all of them and stick with them.

 

[Blackwood]

Even tho we were supposed to do the dives our instructor skipped them.

Currently, IANTD recommends two dives. They are (unfortunately, IMO) no longer required

 

[BarryNL]

What can anyone tell me about the differences between IANTD Nitrox vs. the other agencies classroom curriculum?

We're planning to get Nitrox certified through an IANTD instructor who told us that his Nitrox class takes 8 hours in the classroom to complete. Since our local PADI, NAUI, and SSI shops all say theirs takes no more than 4 hours in the classroom to complete, I'm wondering what the difference is.

(He said he didn't know for sure since he hasn't done anything with another training agency since about 1982 when he got his OW).

Does the IANTD expect you to study the material before attending the course though? The PADI version expects you to study the nitrox course material (which probably takes over 8 hours) and the classroom time is just to recap and make sure you have understood the material.

I'm not aware that the IANTD version actually covers anything which the PADI course does not.