What Is Enriched Air Nitrox Diving?
What is Enriched Air Nitrox diving? Simply put, it is diving with a breathing gas that contains more oxygen and less nitrogen than normal air. This can give you longer no-decompression times on many recreational dives, so you can stay longer at depth and enjoy the reef more.
Nitrox is one of the most popular PADI specialties, especially in places like Hurghada where divers often make several dives a day. Want to learn Nitrox on your holiday? Send us your dates in the form below.
Nitrox vs Air: The Basic Idea
Normal air contains about 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. Enriched Air Nitrox contains more oxygen, usually between 22% and 40%. Common mixes are 32% and 36%.
Because there is less nitrogen in the mix, your body absorbs less nitrogen during a dive at the same depth. That is the key to the benefits of Nitrox.
| Gas | Oxygen | Nitrogen |
| Air | About 21% | About 79% |
| EANx 32 | 32% | 68% |
| EANx 36 | 36% | 64% |
What Are the Benefits?
- Longer no-decompression limits on many dives between about 18 and 30 metres
- More bottom time to enjoy wrecks and deeper reefs
- Shorter surface intervals between repetitive dives in many cases
- Popular for multi-dive days, such as daily boat trips with two or three dives
Are There Any Limits?
Yes. More oxygen means you must respect a maximum operating depth for each mix to avoid oxygen toxicity. That is why Nitrox requires training. In the course you learn to:
- Analyse the oxygen content of your tank before every dive
- Calculate and respect the maximum depth for your mix
- Set your dive computer for Nitrox
- Manage oxygen exposure on repetitive dives
Nitrox does not make deep diving safer by itself, and it is not a substitute for proper dive planning.
How to Get Nitrox Certified
The PADI Enriched Air Diver course is open to certified Open Water Divers aged 12 and over. It is one of the shortest PADI specialties and often takes about one day.
At Chloe’s Diving Center, the PADI Enriched Air Nitrox course costs €190. See all prices on our diving prices in Hurghada page and explore other courses on our PADI diving courses in Hurghada page.
Book Your Nitrox Course
Now you know what Enriched Air Nitrox diving is, why not add it to your next trip? Book your course or message us on WhatsApp.
Is Nitrox safe?
Yes, when used within its limits by trained divers who analyse their gas and respect the maximum depth.
Does Nitrox let me dive deeper?
No. Nitrox actually has a shallower maximum depth than air. Its benefit is longer time at recreational depths.
Who can take the Nitrox course?
Certified Open Water Divers aged 12 and over.
How long does the Nitrox course take?
Often about one day.
