nitrox class question (PADI or IANTD)

[shugar]

was thinking my options for a nitrox course: PADI vs. IANTD

IANTD offers training (at a local LDS) with doubles... it's a slightly more expensive course so it's no major factor. factor is this: i'd really like to be able to learn to use doubles although i do not foresee myself getting to use double on any type of regularity as my targetted bouyancy system setup is BC rather than a BP/wing or similar doubles-friendlier setup

rentals for doubles systems are nowhere near as common here as rentals for singles (until i do get to buy my own BC)

so is it a practical thing to learn? is the extra expense worth it given the realities of my dive situation/s? would love to hear from guys who have undergone (or are familiar with) either (or both!) training curricula

thanks in advance!

Jag

PS
do i need a nitrox class? or do i save my tuition for gear/ rescue course?

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Nitrox excels on relatively square profile dives between about 70ft and 120ft. If you normally dive a multi-level profile then nitrox will not provide as great a benefit. Nitrox is usually a prerequisite for rebreather diving or technical diving.

If you want to take a class that utilizes doubles, it can be a fun exercise. Valve manipulation drills and adjusting to the trim characteristics of a twinset take a little getting used to.

So ask yourself... Will I use nitrox for my type of diving? Will I dive twinsets? If no to both, then I'd opt for the Rescue course next. Good rescue skills are important, even if we all hope to never need to perform a rescue.

 

[Don Burke]

was thinking my options for a nitrox course: PADI vs. IANTD

so is it a practical thing to learn?

If you find yourself running out of time before you run low on gas, it is probably worth it. Otherwise, spend the money on something else.

is the extra expense worth it given the realities of my dive situation/s?

I would not pay extra for the class with doubles.

would love to hear from guys who have undergone (or are familiar with) either (or both!) training curricula

I went through PADI. It covered the basics and I understand they have fixed the video since then, so it should be fine.

 

[Wristshot]

IANTD.

We learned something interesting last year. IANTD certification allows for a max PPO of 1.6 while PADI only certifies for 1.4 (I am sure that this is not worded well, but I know what I mean!) On a dive, my buddy and I were allowed to dive a different profile because we were IANTD certified, so we were allowed to exceed 1.4 All the other divers certified by other organizations were limited to 1.4 and had a shallower shorter dive.

Just one tiny difference. It may not happen often, but it was pretty cool to be able to stay a little longer. (wish I could remember the specific details better)

I think that it would be pretty cool to get a chance to try diving with doubles. I am not in any big hurry to dive doubles regularly. Maybe someday. However, it would be nice to try it once to see what it is like.

Wristshot

 

[616fun]

IANTD.

We learned something interesting last year. IANTD certification allows for a max PPO of 1.6 while PADI only certifies for 1.4 (I am sure that this is not worded well, but I know what I mean!) On a dive, my buddy and I were allowed to dive a different profile because we were IANTD certified, so we were allowed to exceed 1.4 All the other divers certified by other organizations were limited to 1.4 and had a shallower shorter dive.

Just one tiny difference. It may not happen often, but it was pretty cool to be able to stay a little longer. (wish I could remember the specific details better)

I think that it would be pretty cool to get a chance to try diving with doubles. I am not in any big hurry to dive doubles regularly. Maybe someday. However, it would be nice to try it once to see what it is like.

Wristshot

There's no 'certified to dive to' 1.4 PPO. They are the guidelines that PADI has established. They provide up to 1.6 PPO for contingency planning. I'd prefer to stay closer to the 1.4 PPO and have less chance of oxtox.

My computer allows me to set my PPO between 1.0 and 1.6 for me to determine the level of safety I wish. I leave it at 1.4 PPO, but could easily adjust to 1.6 PPO.

 

[alpenadiver]

I chose to go with IANTD, I liked the material covered (more in depth), and I will be taking their deep air and advanced nitrox classes later on

i do not foresee myself getting to use double on any type of regularity

I said the same thing, (gotta be the people I dive with, I was happy with a single 80) but now i'm starting to head towards the tech side of diving. But it would be up to you, and your style of diving.

Good luck with your class.

Mike

 

[Jason B]

IANTD.

We learned something interesting last year. IANTD certification allows for a max PPO of 1.6 while PADI only certifies for 1.4 (I am sure that this is not worded well, but I know what I mean!) On a dive, my buddy and I were allowed to dive a different profile because we were IANTD certified, so we were allowed to exceed 1.4 All the other divers certified by other organizations were limited to 1.4 and had a shallower shorter dive.

All I can say to that one is - scarey. :11:

Jason

 

[616fun]

All I can say to that one is - scarey. :11:

Jason

AGREED!

 

[Don Burke]

IANTD.

We learned something interesting last year. IANTD certification allows for a max PPO of 1.6 while PADI only certifies for 1.4 (I am sure that this is not worded well, but I know what I mean!) On a dive, my buddy and I were allowed to dive a different profile because we were IANTD certified, so we were allowed to exceed 1.4 All the other divers certified by other organizations were limited to 1.4 and had a shallower shorter dive.

Just one tiny difference. It may not happen often, but it was pretty cool to be able to stay a little longer. (wish I could remember the specific details better)

I think that it would be pretty cool to get a chance to try diving with doubles. I am not in any big hurry to dive doubles regularly. Maybe someday. However, it would be nice to try it once to see what it is like.

Wristshot

Operating at those oxygen levels can get pretty dangerous and could leave you rather dead.

I prefer to either cut the dive shorter or do the deco.

 

[Wristshot]

FWIW, We never got near the 1.6, but the point I was trying to make was that we were treated differently than the divers Nitrox certified by other agencies.