Nitrox for diving.

     Nitrox is known by many names: Enhanced Air Nitrox, Oxygen Enriched Air, Nitrox, EANx. Nitrox refers to any gas mixture composed (excluding trace gases) of nitrogen and oxygen, this includes normal air which is approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases. Enriched Air Nitrox is mainly used in scuba diving to reduce the proportion of nitrogen in the breathing gas mixture. Reducing the proportion of nitrogen by increasing the proportion of oxygen reduces the risk of decompression sickness. Nitrox is not a safer gas than compressed air in all respects. In scuba diving, nitrox is normally differentiated and handled differently from air.

     In 1985, the International Association for Nitrox Divers ( IAND ) become the first agency to provide Nitrox training for recreational divers. Finally, Nitrox went in to the mainstream in 1996, when the Professional Association of Diving Instructors ( PADI ) endorsed and began teaching Nitrox courses.

     The principal advantages of using Nitrox blends instead of air in recreational diving include:
          - Increased bottom times within No-Stop diving limits.
          - Reduced decompression times for Extended Range dives.
          - Potentially reduced chances of DCS, if used as "air".
          - Potentially shortened surface intervals between repetitive dives.

     The principal disadvantages of using Nitrox blends include:
          - Potential hazard of CNS oxygen toxicity within typical recreational depth limits.
          - Need for related diving equipment to be properly cleaned for oxygen service.
          - Additional training for safe use.
          - Additional expense for Nitrox fills.

Khao Lak Scuba Adventures has Nitrox available. We offering SSI and PADI Nitrox courses.