Adv Nitrox vs Extended Range

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bbarnett51

Contributor
Messages
504
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Location
Little Rock, Ar
# of dives
500 - 999
I'm trying to figure out which course makes sense for me. I know that Ext range can encompass Adv Nitrox bit I'm not sure I need it.

I'm looking to extend my bottom time mostly in recreation limits. I have my deep and occasionally go to 130' on the Oriskany. I would like to hit the deck at 145'.

So my needs would be longer dives in the recreational limits. MY preference would be single tank with slung pony or whatever is necessary for the dive. Not interested in diving doubles right now

Will Adv Nitrox provide the necessary training or do I need extended range?

Thanks!
 
I guess it depends upon the parameters of the certification Agency. Subject to National Standards, the World Diving Federation (CMAS) requires a prerequisite of Two Star ** Diver (PADI Advanced and Rescue Diver) and a Nitrox Card with a minimum of 50 logged Nitrox Dives. The Advanced Nitrox card has a maximum operating depth (MOD) of 54 Meters (177 feet); subject to a ppO2 maximum of 1.4 bar at the MOD (1.6 for decompression). Depending upon your preference, extended range Air (over 130') or Trimix (CMAS Normoxic 60 M Maximum/Advanced Trimix 100M) may also suit your requirements.
 
Extended Range normally (most agencies) requires Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures as prerequisites.

Advanced Nitrox, by itself, doesn't tend to increase depth limitations.

Advanced Nitrox plus Decompression Procedures combined will give you the training necessary to exceed 130ft/40m and safely complete accelerated decompression using appropriate deco mixes and equipment.
 
Take IANTD's Advanced Recreational Trimix. It emcompasses everything from the above two courses, but opens you up to Trimix, and allows depths to 160'.
 
Thanks I am looking into all of these options. The courses are pretty dang expensive. 120 for the book and 399 for the tuition. That includes all dives and gas etc... but still pricey so I want to make sure I take the right one.
 
Which course charges $120 for the book?
 
Since this thread is in the SSI forum, I assume the OP is talking about SSI courses.
 
So my needs would be longer dives in the recreational limits. MY preference would be single tank with slung pony or whatever is necessary for the dive. Not interested in diving doubles right now

What exactly do you mean by "longer dives in the recreational limits" ? Most people take recreational limits to mean max 130 feet and no deco.

Personally,bouncing to 145 on a single seems pretty pointless, especially if it needs a long and expensive boat ride to get there.
 
Kind of agree with ianr33, this is a loaded subject.

Well, since I said call me for an Oriskany trip if you need a buddy in your BP/W thread yesterday, I'll give a personal response.
Great responses above. You realize you need some training to move to the next level, 1st hurdle out of the way.

Don't sweat the cost too much. I look at it as " I can make 8 insta buddy charter trips @ $150 each charter cost or go do some serious training instead" sounds like you are leaning toward the latter, although either one is fun. Once you get past the recreational stuff, the training actually gets enjoyable, because if you are not into it you probably won't want to do it. Approach it with a good attitude and your instructors will treat you more like a grad student, your over the hump so to speak, the key is attitude.

I like training and enjoy training trips and dives more than insta buddy charter dives personally (but I love charter dives with a good bud or solo), so don't be scared to train, it is rewarding, does cost but you walk away knowing how to handle yourself and you just made some dives with the best buddies you can have, technical instructors (well most of them). But, I wouldn't discount what one can learn the hard way about survival while diving with insta buddies.

Don't pick an agency, pic an instructor. Once you do they will tell you the course of action for the particular agency. Then get the course materials and start reading. Once you get a few chapters in you will see how big the jump is when you pass 130 no deco as far as planning, redundancy, equipment, what can go wrong and how fast, etc.

The old cleche, Life if a journey not a destination totally applies here.


One of the BEST classes I took after OW, ADV OW, Nitro, Rescue was to skip master diver or equivalent rec cert and head to cave country for a cavern course. Was an eye opener and a good prep for proceeding to tech since new gear configs, swim technique, trim and gas management are topics. An eye opener (or was it eye closer with no mask and silt outs while buddy breathing while trying to find my way out following a kite string thru my line traps... something like that)

Anyway, PM when you want to go dive the "O" (the tower :) )
 
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So my needs would be longer dives in the recreational limits. MY preference would be single tank with slung pony or whatever is necessary for the dive. Not interested in diving doubles right now

What exactly do you mean by "longer dives in the recreational limits" ? Most people take recreational limits to mean max 130 feet and no deco.

Personally,bouncing to 145 on a single seems pretty pointless, especially if it needs a long and expensive boat ride to get there.

That's not what I meant. I wasn't very clear. I am interested in exceeding ndl mostly within recreational depths. I realize that will not be done with a single AL80. I would, however, like to see more of the Oriskany.

I posted this on the SSI section bc the best tec diver in my area is an SSI instructor. He is very good and very experienced. Therefore the two logical options would be the two courses I listed.

Thanks for the info
 

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