Until about a month ago I would have said wait. In 44 years of diving I had never seriously considered Nitrox. However, recent diving experience suggests it could be a help to me and I am reconsidering.
In the past I've almost always done multi-level dives with decreasing depths over time. For example dive to 100 ft for 10 min, rise slowly to 50-60 ft for 20 min, rise slowly to 30-40 ft for 20 min, and then 15-20 ft for the remainder of the dive. Obviously this allowed for off-gassing as the dive progressed.
Over the past month I've been diving off boats exclusively and do a lot more "square profile" dives (down to depth for appropriate bottom time, then slow ascent with safety stop). Due to the nature of my work (filming) I've often remained at the depth until nearly reaching deco (or going into it on occasion).
Under my previous scenario I've been able to do 4-6 dives each dive day without getting tired afterwards. Under the new scenario I'm finding that three long dives (50-70 min each) leave me tired. Several times I've fallen asleep at the computer while editing.
Under the second scenario I think that Nitrox would be a big benefit.
Your diving patterns may differ from mine so this is my suggestion based on my experience. Your mileage may vary, but it doesn't hurt to be Nitrox certified.
Dr. Bill
In the past I've almost always done multi-level dives with decreasing depths over time. For example dive to 100 ft for 10 min, rise slowly to 50-60 ft for 20 min, rise slowly to 30-40 ft for 20 min, and then 15-20 ft for the remainder of the dive. Obviously this allowed for off-gassing as the dive progressed.
Over the past month I've been diving off boats exclusively and do a lot more "square profile" dives (down to depth for appropriate bottom time, then slow ascent with safety stop). Due to the nature of my work (filming) I've often remained at the depth until nearly reaching deco (or going into it on occasion).
Under my previous scenario I've been able to do 4-6 dives each dive day without getting tired afterwards. Under the new scenario I'm finding that three long dives (50-70 min each) leave me tired. Several times I've fallen asleep at the computer while editing.
Under the second scenario I think that Nitrox would be a big benefit.
Your diving patterns may differ from mine so this is my suggestion based on my experience. Your mileage may vary, but it doesn't hurt to be Nitrox certified.
Dr. Bill