Do you think Nitrox is a deep diving gas?

[diverdowndude]

I recently went diving with a group of AOW divers and the topic: " Is Nitrox diving with oxygen contents above 21% a deep diving gas in the 99 fsw (30msw) and deeper range", came up on the way out. The opinions in the conversation were educational to say the least - So what do you think is Nitrox a deep diving gas?

 

[DevonDiver]

Nitrox is a gas with an optimum depth range. That optimum range is dependant on the % O2 in the mix. For some mixes, that optimum range would be inside, what recreational agencies classify as, 'deep' diving.

 

[Doc Harry]

Nitrox is a gas with an optimum depth range. That optimum range is dependant on the % O2 in the mix. For some mixes, that optimum range would be inside, what recreational agencies classify as, 'deep' diving.

Very well said.

 

[Doc]

It is also a tool of specific use.

Not necessary for every dive, but many nitrox certified divers believe otherwise.

It's introduction into the recreational diving world was fraught with technical discussions and legal arguments.

It was all decided after much hand-wringing and re-wording.

The marketing guys took over and designed to position it so that everyone would need to use it for every dive.

Lather, rinse, repeat. Same deal.

A simple optional idea turned into an absolute necessity. All for money.

 

[Peter Guy]

As far as I'm concerned, 32% Enriched Air Nitrox is THE gas for a dive beyond 99FSW, one with a max depth of 100 FSW -- beyond that, not so much. Then my gas of choice is 25% EAN -- with a bunch of He (another 25%) mixed in (but somehow I don't think that was the point of the discussion!).

I'm one of those who dives 32% on just about any dive that doesn't have a concrete bottom at 12 FFW and a max depth of 100 FSW. Since EAN doesn't cost me that much ($550/year) and I am a believer in the less nitrogen the better, it is my gas of choice for recreational diving.

But it does lead me to wonder what education the AOW people are getting if they think EAN mixes are for "deep" diving. Yes they are, of course, but with the caveats. Hmmm, maybe should be part of one of my lectures this week.

 

[Lee Taylor]

When using nitrox you will find your "optimum bottom time" at approximately 90 feet of sea water. When you study a "nitrox chart" you will eventually come to this conclusion.

In recreational diving, 100-130 feet deep is considered deep diving. Given this designation, nitrox would not be considered a deep diving gas.

One of the benefits, often overlooked, of using EAN, at any depth, is the likelyhood of getting DCS is significantly reduced.

There are no good arguments for NOT using Nitrox.

 

[ptyx]

Good thing one can answer both yes and no in the poll

How much above 21% (25? 32? 40?)
How far beyond 100 ft (110? 180?)
Is it "better than air" or "the best choice"? etc...

 

[Blackwood]

For the 100+ foot dives described in the thread, I always like to have a hot nitrox mix or plain jane oxygen with me.

One of the benefits, often overlooked, of using EAN, at any depth, is the likelyhood of getting DCS is significantly reduced.

Often overlooked?

 

[ptyx]

There are no good arguments for NOT using Nitrox.

Cost, training and availability :depressed:
(Not that they should matter much, but if they really didn't everyone would be diving trimix - not nitrox).

 

[DevonDiver]

Agreed...if He was cheap...it should be mandatory below 30m.

Sadly, only people with the money for GUE courses can also afford He for 30-40m dives. ;-)