What agency has the most technical nitrox training?

[seeker242]

So instead of just punching buttons on a dive computer, you actually learn the science and math behind it? Something that would lay a good foundation for a possible future in tech diving? I've heard that there are significant differences between the various agencies with regards to how technical they get in training basic recreational nitrox.

 

[Wookie]

That isn't an agency thing, you have to find an instructor that understands the math and science you are looking for, not easy in today's online learning world. The information isn't too hard to find on the internet, then you can absorb at your own pace, if interested.

 

[rongoodman]

If you can find one, I'd recommend the TDI course.

 

[tbone1004]

or find a mentor in the area that knows their stuff and can help teach you. There's a few in Pompano.

The math is literally this simple

Understand PO2. This pertains to both the CNS clock as far as how many minutes at a certain PO2 you can safely stay, and what the max limits of PO2 you are willing to accept. Typically 1.2 working, 1.4 deco, 1.6 max, but many will do 1.4 for casual and 1.6 for some deco. This is how you determine your MoD for specific mixes as well as your "best mix". Take the planned depth, your chosen PO2, and figure out what the FO2 is for ideal, and then round down to the closest standard mix. I.e. if best mix is 33%, you're likely only going to find 32%, but you can also find 36% which goes above your PO2 limits.

Understand PN2 and the limits of narcosis, but more importantly this is how you find your EAD for converting air tables. I am going to this depth using this mix. The PN2 under these circumstances is X, and this is an equivalent depth if I was using air.

Very simple math luckily, but the above is all there is to nitrox math. You have to know how to calculate MOD, EAD, and Best Mix. The same math applies to all trimix math except you have the third variable of He. In that case you choose your best O2 percentage based on your chosen PO2, then you choose your best N2 percentage based on your chosen PN2, and then fill the rest with helium. This one is possible to do with tables, but it is infinitely easier to use decompression software to let it run the decompression calculations for you.

 

[sheeper]

any good tec training has to be heavy on the math, physics and physiology. buttons on a computer is not tec training.
I'd go with TDI training as i find it to be the most complete and comprehensive. Of course, you still need a good instructor to make the material from the agency have any value.

 

[Wookie]

I guess I read it differently than you guys did. With 0-24 dives, I didn't see him as looking for technical nitrox training as in a tech class like Advanced Nitrox, I took it to mean he is looking for a recreational course, but not the standard training agency pablum that no one really needs to know to set their dive computer.

I've been wrong before.

 

[tbone1004]

Frank, he asked about the science and math behind it.... Frankly advanced nitrox irritates the crap out of me, almost as much as normoxic trimix. The math is all the same, the procedures are all the same. Get nitrox certified and you're good for up to 40% because that's the limit before you have to O2 clean stuff. This should be included in all open water certifications. There is no excuse for not having it combined. It requires an extra hour of classroom work, extra 20 minutes to teach how to analyze a tank, and no extra dives. You need to be able to do MOD, EAD, and Best Mix as part of this.

Have a decompression procedures course that INCLUDES accelerated deco on up to 100%, because a separate certification for 40-100% is idiotic at best, and realistically criminal on the agencies part to just have more stepping stones to make up for inadequate initial training. Deco procedures on backgas only is stupid for a dedicated course, you should be allowed 5 minutes of backgas deco as part of your OW course. Mainly because if you dive the NAUI/Navy tables vs dive a computer with a fairly conservative algorithm you're going to have a mandatory 3-5 minute stop anyway and it removes a lot of "scariness" about deco. 5 minutes of backgas deco if you're running 30/70 is "optional" if you're running dive tables since the PADI RDP has an equivalent GF High of about 95...

One trimix course, if you can do staged decompression, you can do staged decompression. You should be using a travel gas anyway if you're on OC because who can afford to breathe helium at the first hundred feet anyway...

 

[uncfnp]

I agree its confusing but I take it that he is speaking about a basic nitrox course that has a little meat to it.

 

[Wookie]

No argument. I stopped at Normoxic because I: Mix my own gas, dive from my own boat, and who is my wife going to sue if I croak myself?

Everything else is based on the put another dollar in theory of scuba instruction.

---------- Post added September 17th, 2015 at 09:46 AM ----------

I agree its confusing but I take it that he is speaking about a basic nitrox course that has a little meat to it.

That's what I think too.

 

[MikeT73]

As others have said, TDI Nitrox (basic, not advanced) is a good thorough introduction to the physics and physiology of using nitrox (22-40%). Despite the "Technical" in the name it is available to recreational open water divers. E-Learning is convenient, but the book is well written and a good reference. (I personally prefer books anyway). Best of luck.