PDIC Nitrox
What is Nitrox and why use it?
As it relates to the PDIC recreational SCUBA diver, Nitrox is best described as oxygen (O2) enriched air containing between 22% and 40% oxygen. Air is comprised of approximately 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen with the remaining 1% being trace amounts of several other gases. As will all recreational SCUBA diving activities, the 130 foot/no-decompression diving rule applies.
By breathing Nitrox a typical diver will take up less nitrogen (N2) on a given dive, therefore lowering his/her risk of decompression sickness. An additional benefit of Nitrox is the reduced effect of nitrogen narcosis. While diving to depths below 80 feet or so, the nitrogen partial pressure will be less than a comparable air dive, thereby reducing the effects of nitrogen at deeper depths (80-130 foot range).
After a given dive the residual nitrogen levels will be lower than a comparable air dive, which in turn will increase available bottom time on repetitive dives, decreases your surface interval, or both. This also reduces the risk of flying after diving.
The PDIC Nitrox diver certification is a means to allow a preciously certified SCUBA diver the ability to purchase and use Nitrox breathing gas. A PDIC Nitrox diver has successfully completed the necessary study materials and exam to intelligently and responsibly use Nitrox. PDIC Nitrox is always a mix of between 22% and 40% oxygen used within the recreational depth limit of 130 fsw.
PDIC adheres to the concept that Nitrox mixes up to 40% content may be used in equipment which has not been cleaned for oxygen service. PDIC maintains that because a SCUBA cylinder may see pure oxygen service from time to time that the cylinder may see pure oxygen service from time to time that the cylinder and the cylinder valve should be cleaned oxygen compatible. It should be emphasized that this position follows the Nitrox community and NOAA policies. PDIC recognizes that in the SCUBA environment, certain dangers associated with using oxygen (such as a self-ignition or auto-ignition of oxygen mixtures) are limited at best.
