Nitrox and health

[Anti-Hero]

I'd suggest reading this before diving nitrox-
DIR-diver.com - Nitrox Class Part 1

Honestly, it's better information than the padi/naui/ssi material that I've seen.

I learned taught on that page in my PADI nitrox class, including the formulas. Once again, it's the instructor that is what counts not the agency.

 

[Garrobo]

TSand M: Thank you for the reply but I'm not interested on blowing a bunch of money on a class when all I would be interested in is making one introductory nitrox dive. I'm sure that the OP would explain everything to me that would be necessary for the one dive and I woold be with a nitrox certified instructor or DM.

Riger:Why wold one need certification or be in a class ($$$) to do one accompanied dive? Makes about as much sense as to demand a OW cert to make an introductory scuba dive.

 

[ONESPEED]

I've been offered complimentary Nitrox dives several time and haven't taken them up on it yet. I was wondering if breathing Nitrox has any side effects on a person with a physical impairment like asthma or other lung problems, heart trouble, sinus problems, migraine headaches, diabetis (SP?), arthritis or whatever?

While I would hardly claim the credentials to give medical advice, I am asthmatic and have done hundreds of nitrox dives with no ill effects.

 

[Garrobo]

Onespeed: Now there is what one would call an ANSWER, not a disertaion. Thank you.

 

[Randy43068]

I've been offered complimentary Nitrox dives several time and haven't taken them up on it yet. I was wondering if breathing Nitrox has any side effects on a person with a physical impairment like asthma or other lung problems, heart trouble, sinus problems, migraine headaches, diabetis (SP?), arthritis or whatever?

Well... it is VOODO gas and quite likely to kill you at first breath!

 

[Riger]

Riger:Why wold one need certification or be in a class ($$$) to do one accompanied dive? Makes about as much sense as to demand a OW cert to make an introductory scuba dive.

Garrobo, Fair Question.

Nitrox involves significantly changing the % of O2 in the air you breath underwater. This in turn modifies your MOD and your NDL. As you are aware, these factors play a fundamental role in planning your dive.

Since I have achieved my OW certification, I plan my dives myself. During the Nitrox training, we first did the theory in order to understand the physics. Then we were required to analyse our mix of air and plan our own dives.

It is my opinion that simply following the guide or the instructor without (the fundamental) the theory and allowing them to plan your dive is risky. During the dive, if something happens to them, you would be on the wrong side of the safety curve, that is to say you would be sucking air that you may not understand the limitations of.

Having said that, nothing prevents you from diving Nitrox without the training, it was merely my response to the subject matter.

PS : Even the Discover Scuba Dive that I did before my OW course involved classroom theory and some basic skills in confined water before we went out. One person could not do the mask clearing and they were not permitted to proceed with the Discover Scuba Dive.

Best Regards

Richard (Riger)

 

[Garrobo]

Riger: Yeah, I understand all of that but being from the old school where the first dive in the 70's was after about 12 beers and a hangover which involved jumping in the water with some old gear which Capt. Nemo owned and the air tasted like diesel fuel it's hard to be too worried about stuff. Thanks for the input though.

Randy: Thanks. That help a lot too.

 

[TSandM]

If all you intend to do is a single dive on Nitrox, the likelihood of any toxicity (as long as you stay above the MOD of the mix) is essentially nil. I don't know why you would want to do a single dive on Nitrox, though. It doesn't feel any different.

 

[Randy43068]

Riger: Yeah, I understand all of that but being from the old school where the first dive in the 70's was after about 12 beers and a hangover which involved jumping in the water with some old gear which Capt. Nemo owned and the air tasted like diesel fuel it's hard to be too worried about stuff. Thanks for the input though.

Randy: Thanks. That help a lot too.

You're quite welcome. Keep in mind that divers are dropping like flies from breathing the evil juice.. for crying out loud...
:shocked2:

 

[Scott M]

If all you intend to do is a single dive on Nitrox, the likelihood of any toxicity (as long as you stay above the MOD of the mix) is essentially nil. I don't know why you would want to do a single dive on Nitrox, though. It doesn't feel any different.

Your not going to give up the "real" effects of Nitrox huh?

For an introductory thing if there is a hard bottom and no chance of going past the MOD and a compitent instructor I think you will be fine. A good instructor will explain a lot of the nuts and bolts or should explain them prior to diving the mix. Give it a try, I love it. Makes me feel more energenic after a dive, I know thats all in mind but I am easily manipulated anyway.