Why We Like Nitrox
Nitrox cylinders ready for sidemount diving Image: Rose Bennett Fred Stratton Instructor and Repair Technician fred@bubblesornot.com What is PADI's most popular Specialty Course? Good guesses would include Deep, Boat, Underwater Videography and Project AWARE. It may surprise you that the Enriched Air Diver is number one. Bob Bennett teaching a Sidemout Specialty course using Enriched Air. Image: Rose Bennett In this month's article we'll discuss Enriched Air's progression from commercial and military applications to widespread recreational use, certification, cost, benefits, safety, and equipment considerations. Terminology : All divers know that air is comprised of 21% oxygen (O2) and 79% inert gases (78% nitrogen and 1% trace elements of helium, neon, argon, etc.). Any diving gas with > 21% and < 100% pure oxygen is considered enriched air nitrox (nitrogen and oxygen). It is abbreviated EAN or EANx. The number next to it i