i am in the process of getting my ean certification. while reading all the info of the hazard's wonder if it is really worth it. my friends and i have heard how great it is,but damn!there seems to be a lot to remember. if any body could share their stories god or bad i would appreciate.
nitrox?is it worth it?
- Thread starter tull
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
Rainer
Contributor
tull:
Growing up in SoCal I heard about lots of driving accidents. For a split second, you even consider not getting a car. Then you recognize the benefits FAR outway the worries. Same for Nitrox. My stories of good? Wonderful dives made all the better due to extended BTs.
mike_s
Contributor
extended bottom times, lower nitrogen levels.
Is it worth it? Yes. Especially on multiple dive days
Is it worth it? Yes. Especially on multiple dive days
It is for some dives, not so much for others - for some people.
I don't dive it on our "regular" sites as there isn't enough benefit to me for the extra cost...but I have friends who do dive it on those sites because they believe they do get extra benefits from it.
I do dive it on any of our sites that are 20m+ just because I can get more bottom time and/or a shorter surface interval and my whole reason for being there is to spend as much time underwater as possible. I don't dive Nitrox in Cozumel, for instance, even on the deeper sites, because mostly my time will be limited by other factors anyway.
I feel better - more energized, less sleepy etc - after a dive on nitrox. Is this because of the nitrox itself or is it in my mind? Don't know, don't much care...it just is. Some swear by this, others scoff, some remain flexible. You'll have to use it some and see what you think.
Like most things, there are few definitive answers!
I don't dive it on our "regular" sites as there isn't enough benefit to me for the extra cost...but I have friends who do dive it on those sites because they believe they do get extra benefits from it.
I do dive it on any of our sites that are 20m+ just because I can get more bottom time and/or a shorter surface interval and my whole reason for being there is to spend as much time underwater as possible. I don't dive Nitrox in Cozumel, for instance, even on the deeper sites, because mostly my time will be limited by other factors anyway.
I feel better - more energized, less sleepy etc - after a dive on nitrox. Is this because of the nitrox itself or is it in my mind? Don't know, don't much care...it just is. Some swear by this, others scoff, some remain flexible. You'll have to use it some and see what you think.
Like most things, there are few definitive answers!
Jimmer
Contributor
As long as your head is on your shoulders, and it seems that way since you had the thought to actually ask some experienced people, Nitrox isn't much more of a risk than diving air. Just a few extra things to check over before your dive. Like the other posts have said, the advantages outweigh the risks. Extra bottom time on that one gorgeous wreck is just plain killer. Plus if you have any interest in tech down the road, you'll need your Nitrox training.
One more vote for yes - it was worth it. 
Besides, no one forces you to dive Nitrox once you have that cert. If you find it to be a problem, you can continue to dive air.
Besides, no one forces you to dive Nitrox once you have that cert. If you find it to be a problem, you can continue to dive air.
Jimmer
Contributor
Mislav just raised a great point, I've met people that have taken the class, and have never dove it, just because they had the desire for the knowledge. All the power to them.
Capn' Grey Beard
Registered
- Messages
- 8
- Reaction score
- 0
Well, that depends on how much you spend for it...tull:
Kidding aside... When you took your first dive class, you had to read all the info of the hazards... was it worth it? All instructors cover "how not to kill yourself". That is basically what you learn in the open water course. The entire course is designed around showing you the hazards and how to avoid them.
Guess what... The same is true for Nitrox cert. But, you have already been interested in diving... and you have already been using Nitrox (Your percentage has been lower than you are being certified for... right now around 20.9 EAN). As you increase that number, the depth you can dive must decrease. The added benefit comes in the way of extended BT, shorter SI and in some cases people report less fatigue.
Let's face it, we would all like to extend our BT with shorter SI. Just understand the limits/issues of breathing larger partial pressues of O2 all the way to your limit.
===
I have been to 130ft with EAN, and I have had a bottom time of more than one hour without having to make a mandatory stop. 30 min SI, and back to 55' for one hour and 30 min. Using a computer and setting it correctly will help show you the benefits from EAN. Were these "square" dives? No... If I had been using the tables alone, there would have been a completely different profile.
So, is it worth it... I think so.
I love it, dive it every week and feel I am still getting the benefit of my investment of time and $.
Don't over analyze it, if you want to go deeper/longer... you will end up with different gasses or a rebreather.... EAN is the first step. 'Come join us, the water is fine!'
Don't over analyze it, if you want to go deeper/longer... you will end up with different gasses or a rebreather.... EAN is the first step. 'Come join us, the water is fine!'
drrich2
Contributor
I, too, am working on my Nitrox certification. I don't see oxygen toxicity as a big risk for the shallower water diving I mainly do. Locally I dive a tank or two at one of two rock quarries. No need for Nitrox for that.
But for my upcoming planned Bonaire trip with lots of great shore diving, well, that's what I'm pursuing Nitrox certification for. A substantial number of repetitive dives in an environment with 'unlimited tanks,' a free nitrox upgrade (as part of our package deal), and easy access = Nitrox time!
Richard.
But for my upcoming planned Bonaire trip with lots of great shore diving, well, that's what I'm pursuing Nitrox certification for. A substantial number of repetitive dives in an environment with 'unlimited tanks,' a free nitrox upgrade (as part of our package deal), and easy access = Nitrox time!
Richard.
Similar threads
