Enriched Air (Nitrox)

Why get nitrox certified?

Standard scuba cylinders are normally filled with air, which is approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. Nitrox, also called enriched air, contains a lower percentage of nitrogen which is achieved by increasing the percentage of oxygen.

Because nitrogen loading is one of the main factors that limits our no-decompression time, reducing nitrogen exposure can be useful in two ways:

• You may be able to extend your no-decompression limits on suitable dive profiles.
• You can dive the same profile as air divers while staying further away from your own no-decompression limit.

The benefits are most noticeable in the 18-30m / 60-100ft range, especially when you are doing repetitive dives over several days. That makes nitrox a great match for Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and many cenote diving trips.

What will I learn?

The course focuses on using nitrox safely and confidently. You will learn why enriched air affects no-decompression limits, how oxygen exposure changes your dive planning, and why every nitrox cylinder must be analyzed before use.

How does the schedule work?

There are zero required certification dives for this specialty. Complete the eLearning first, then schedule the workshop with us. The workshop can usually be conducted before any of our regular dive trips, so it is easy to combine with a Playa del Carmen, Cozumel or cenote diving day.

PADI or SDI?

As an SDI 5-Star Dive Center with PADI instructors available, we recommend SDI for most divers. SDI training materials are clear, modern and internationally recognized through the same global training framework used by major recreational scuba agencies.

Prefer PADI? No problem. Choose the PADI Enriched Air Diver option when booking. The in-person workshop is the same practical session; the difference is the PADI eLearning and certification processing costs a little more (+$1,600 compared with SDI.)

Both certifications are accepted worldwide and both allow you to use nitrox on future dives where enriched air is available.

Nitrox when diving with us

All nitrox-certified divers can use nitrox tanks at no extra charge while diving with Tank-Ha. When possible, we group nitrox divers together so they can make the most of the available dive time. On some dives, the final profile may still be limited by conditions, gas consumption, depth, current, the dive site or the overall group plan.

If you are not sure whether nitrox will help for the dives you are planning, contact us and tell us your certification level, recent dive experience and the dives you want to book.