Purpose

The IANTD Nitrox course is designed to train divers in the safe use of Nitrox; a safer breathing gas for dives in the 40' - 130' range. The program will focus on dive planning and the physics and physiology while utilizing higher oxygen percentages. The Nitrox program may be conducted as a single course or combined with a variety of other courses.

Prerequisites

• Must meet the IANTD General Course Prerequisites

• Must be qualified as an Open Water Diver

• Must be a minimum of 15 years of age with parent approval

• Be a non-smoker

Training Materials

IANTD Nitrox Manual

Duration

The IANTD Nitrox course includes four hours of academics generally taught in one session as well as two dives done in one day.

Course Content

The IANTD Nitrox course cumatively includes a minimum of eight hours of instruction designed to provide a thorough understanding of the benefits and concerns regarding the use of higher oxygen partial pressures. Dive planning including tables and oxygen exposure limits will be covered. Two experience dives will be conducted.

Academic Topics

• IANTD organization

• Course Standards and Procedures

• Course completion requirements

• Nitrox advantages and limitations

• Physiological implications of oxygen

• Physics for Nitrox divers

• Nitrox dive tables and computers

• Gas analysis and cylinder labeling

• Operational implications of oxygen and oxygen safety

Surface Drills and Skills

Gas analysis and dive planning, including the use of tables and discussions on the use of dive computers will be covered.

In-water Skill Requirements

No in-water skills are required in the Nitrox program

Course Limits

• IANTD General Program Limits

• Maximum student to instructor ratio is not to exceed 5 to 1

• Maximum depth 130' or to students previous qualification

• No dives requiring mandatory decompression stops exceeding three (3) minutes

Equipment Requirements

• Diving cylinder(s) to carry sufficient gas supply for completion of dive; 1/2 plus 200 psi for no-stop dives

• Alternate second stage or redundant gas supply

• Pressure gauge

• Buoyancy control device (BCD)

• Mask, fins and snorkel

• Means of monitoring depth and time. Depth gauge and bottom timer or a dive computer

• Dive table must be used backup computer or for control of the dive

• Appropriate exposure suit for 48 degree water temperature

• Slate and pencil or Wet Notes

• Cutting tool. Small knife or medical shears

• Compass

• Surface alert device (whistle, Dive Alert etc...)