Nitrox " certification "?

[M_B]

Hello,
We are going on our next vacation to Bonair. And saw that one of the hotels have "nitrox certification" for ~$100. I asked a couple of questions what the course is etc.
the answers are pretty... hmmm ....interesting :
It is ~40 minutes video + reading a book. Than instructor will show you how to check the mix and setup your computer ( if you dive with one ); after that there are 2 checkout dives w/o instructor. and that's it."

Well, i don't feel good about this type of "certification" - i can probably learn and read more on the topic by just talking to LDS or asking questions here. Second : it's pretty expensive video, i think.

So, i figured, that i'll be better of asking same questions here:

1. what is this "nitrox certification" course is ? I saw smth on PADI website - is it the same?

2. Do they ( PADI I assume ) issue some card ( like C-card. I know it sounds very naive ) ?

Thank you for taking your time answering these simple questions.
M_B

 

[H2Andy]

actually, that's about right

nitrox is a very straightforward gas to dive with. there's basically two things
you need to learn: how to check the mix and how to determine your maximum
depth for your mix. of course, you need an understanding of oxygen toxicity
and why it's important to do the above two things.

i could do that in about an hour

also, $100 is very reasonable. i think i paid $250 for my class

yes, PADI does issue a nitrox card, which allows you to get nitrox fills.

is this a PADI class? pretty much any agency's card will do.

 

[M_B]

thank You H2andy.
So it's more like "naturalist" class in PADI certif. system ?

Do i have to have some kind of card to show that i understand how to deal with mix if i will be diving somewhere else ?

 

[H2Andy]

actually, it's a very interesting class, and you have to work the tables, which
can be challenging. it's not a "light-weight" class by any means, it just doesn't
take too long to teach. you could die if you don't do it right.

but yes, you need a nitrox card for shops to let you use nitrox. you can use up
to 40% oxygen (but 36% is usually more common)

 

[Albion]

actually, it's a very interesting class, and you have to work the tables, which can be challenging. it's not a "light-weight" class by any means, it just doesn't take too long to teach. you could die if you don't do it right.
but yes, you need a nitrox card for shops to let you use nitrox. you can use up
to 40% oxygen (but 36% is usually more common)

Agreed, it contains a lot of good information which really should be part of the AOW course

 

[M_B]

that was an answer to my next question . thank you H1Andy and Albion.

one more :
Is there a good site ( other than SB ) where i can read a bit, before taking the course?

 

[StSomewhere]

Is there a good site ( other than SB ) where i can read a bit before taking the course?

Probably, but if you like your information in book form get "Recreational Nitrox" by Rob Rossier, about $10 from Amazon or possibly your LDS. Theory, explanations, even problems to work.

 

[Hoosier]

I only did the self-studying. My LDS did nothing except the checking the answers in the knowledge base and exam (all together it took about 20min). And, it costs $145 (as I remember). LoL.... The earning rate is better than any distingusihed professors' ones.
I don't have any particular websites though. You can find many good information on the net. It is a darn easy and short exam.

P.S. I prefer the text book for the exam. Video was just the same stuff as the book.

 

[Divesherpa]

Nitrox, from an instructional perspective, shouldn't be much work for the instructor. The primary goals are to ensure that the student understands blending, tank marking, oxygen handling, calculating max and contingency depth for the mixture, tracking oxygen exposure levels, and planning the dive with the Enriched Air RDP's.

The knowledge from the book is straight forward and the student should not need to be spoonfed this information, hence, the take home book and DVD. The instructor's job in this course is to CERTIFY that you understand all of the above and can analyze and dive enriched air.

It's a great course and $100 is almost amazingly inexpensive. I teach Nitrox through a shop for $150. This includes the book, pic card, instruction, rental nitrox tanks, and a 2 tank boat dive. The 2 tank dive and rental tanks cost $75 alone!
From a financial perspective, we don't make any money on this course. It is primarily to increase the student's enjoyment of diving and to increase their bottom time for future dives. It is more a service than a money maker.

 

[Hoosier]

Really. Mine was only for DVD, book, and exam. It cost $145 (20min) and additional $79 two tanks dives in local quarry. Even, the check out diving has been combined with the advanced course. So, it isn't a money maker? Come on please.

Maybe, it is depending on the locations. I am in Mid-West's farming area. It is a definately money maker here.

From a financial perspective, we don't make any money on this course. It is primarily to increase the student's enjoyment of diving and to increase their bottom time for future dives. It is more a service than a money maker.