Nitrox questions

[fireken]

I am getting my Nitrox cert in Bonaire in April, the PADI course material suggests that every nitrox diver should have his/her own analyzer. Is this the case in the real world or do most people rely on the dive shop to analyze for them or in front of them.

 

[Walter]

Most do not have their own, but it is an excellent idea.

 

[Zoomer]

Depends on the shop for me. If I know and trust the shop that is giving me a fill (which they always have me check the O2% with them and sign-off on it) than I usually trust them if I am going to use the fill that day or the next day. However, most of the time (99%) I have my own analyzer and check my fill just before setting my computer and dive. I have seen changes in the O2% from the time of fill until the time of use (usually goes up slightly)

Just my H2O

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

No you don't need your own, anyplace you get nitrox will have one. One time though on a live aboard the analyzer broke and one diver had his own so he saved all our bacon

So you could be a hero

 

[robint]

I wouldn't buy one unless you are going to be diving nitrox enought to justify the cost and filter replacements (not cheap). Any time you get a nitrox tank, you test it with their analyzer, so getting your own isn't really necessary.

 

[AzAtty]

You will surely die if you do not buy the most expensive analyzer you can find.

 

[Jim Kerr]

You will not need to run right out and buy one. The dive OP should have an analyzer for you to use on the boat or at the shop. And yes, you should "always" analyze your own tanks to verify the contents.

 

[Thalassamania]

You can always (and should) check the calibration of the shop's meter. You'll learn how to in your class. Having your own is nice, but not necessary.

 

[fireken]

Thanks for all your advice, especially AzAtty's. My thoughts were pretty much on par with the advice I got. I just wanted a little affimation before I ran out and bought an analyzer.

 

[dschonbrun]

You only need to buy one if you buy your own tank and intend to dive Nitrox. Every dive boat I've been on that offers nitrox tanks has had one or two available. when you use Nitrox, you have an obligation to check the contents and set your computer appropriately. That is what they are referring to. Every nitrox diver must have access to an analyzer, but does not have to "own" one.