Nitrox

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Going up in buddy pairs sounds nice…but do you always know who your buddy is?Dave DillehayAldora Divers
 
My assumption (having not studied the benefits of nitrox) based on what I was reading was that nitrox offers longer bottom times.

It reduces nitrogen loading (and increases risk of oxygen toxicity) compared to air for the same depth and bottom time.

If your bottom time is typically limited by nitrogen load, then nitrox could let you extend your bottom time, though there are some good reasons not to do that. (Read up on the concept of "diving nitrox on air tables" for more on this.)

If your bottom time is limited by other factors such as running low on gas, getting cold, being forced to surface by someone else (buddy, DM, Bond villain with speargun, etc.), getting bored, having to keep an appointment or tee time, or any of the possibly limitless number of other things that could limit your bottom time, then nitrox won't extend it.

Like MMM, I use it to reduce my risks of a DCI hit. All other things being equal (depth, bottom time, temperature, exertion, etc.), nitrox will likely do that.
 
My primary computer is a Suunto Mosquito. After 3 days of diving 2 tanks/day on air only, my NDL becomes seriously limited. If I'm diving nitrox on 2nd (and 4th) tanks, I have no problem with limited NDL time. I dive the Nitrox with the computer set for the blend. My secondary computer, a Sherwood Profile (which doesn't do nitrox) doesn't have a problem with air only, doing an average of 3 plus dives per day for a 2 week period. It's never been in deco. The Mosquito will go into some deco on deep dives (if I allow it), but clears easily, and other than that, I don't push the NDLs on air or nitrox. I tell myself that there's an extra safety factor using Nitrox and mildly believe it, but I *know* I feel better. I also dive nitrox on 5th tanks and on shallow dives like Columbia Shallow. The difference between the Profile and the Mosquito is sometimes shocking. For instance, on an air dive at, say, 60 feet, the Mosquito might show me 16 minutes of NDL. When I look at the Profile, it'll indicate that I have 34 minutes left at that depth. I've had many DMs "note" that I have a Mosquito on my wrist.
 
My primary computer is a Suunto Mosquito. After 3 days of diving 2 tanks/day on air only, my NDL becomes seriously limited. If I'm diving nitrox on 2nd (and 4th) tanks, I have no problem with limited NDL time. I dive the Nitrox with the computer set for the blend. My secondary computer, a Sherwood Profile (which doesn't do nitrox) doesn't have a problem with air only, doing an average of 3 plus dives per day for a 2 week period. It's never been in deco. The Mosquito will go into some deco on deep dives (if I allow it), but clears easily, and other than that, I don't push the NDLs on air or nitrox. I tell myself that there's an extra safety factor using Nitrox and mildly believe it, but I *know* I feel better. I also dive nitrox on 5th tanks and on shallow dives like Columbia Shallow. The difference between the Profile and the Mosquito is sometimes shocking. For instance, on an air dive at, say, 60 feet, the Mosquito might show me 16 minutes of NDL. When I look at the Profile, it'll indicate that I have 34 minutes left at that depth. I've had many DMs "note" that I have a Mosquito on my wrist.

Sherwood profile computers do handle nitrox.:D

Quote from the Sherwood website.

313.12_ProfileImage12.jpg
313.2_ProfileImage2.jpg


  • 5
  • Navigational Console -
    Whether you’re 60’ down or 260’ down, you want exceptional reliability. You also want a computer that’s easy to read and makes sense. ProFile satisfies both requirements.

    ProFile has one of the most intuitive displays available today. Color indicating bands and a logical layout of readouts provide information at a glance.

    ProFile’s time-tested algorithm reliably calculates, updates and displays no decompression limits throughout your dive and if you get into a decompression situation it will give information for stops as deep as 60 feet. This practical dive computer also features:

    Features:

    • Analog ascent rate indicator with warnings.

    • Visual alarms.

    • HydroGlow backlit display for easy reading in low light situations.

    • Automatic altitude compensation to 14,000 feet.

    • Temperature readout.

    • User replaceable batteries.

    • Standard or metric unit selectivity.

    • Available in console, wrist mount, hose mount and capsule only configurations.

    • Easy console upgrades: ProFile fits all current Sherwood consoles and can be used as a replacement for the depth gauge.

    • Air/Nitrox or Gauge operating mode.

    Here is the url Welcome to Sherwood Scuba!
 
Getting nitrox for the price of air fill says to me they over charge for air. Nothing is free.

Tired of paying 1000 for car insurance with no reward for good driving. Insure with us for 1200 a year and we will send you 100 each 6 months for good driving.

Nothing up my sleeve, OOOOHHHHH guess I better get another hat.
 
Going up in buddy pairs sounds nice…but do you always know who your buddy is?Dave DillehayAldora Divers

VERY good point Dave. As with most vacation diving the chances a diver will get paired with a stranger before, during or at the end of a dive are good. And as such you really have no knowledge of the other person's abilities or experience, let alone their state of mind or physical health. Or even the state of their equipment. Another very good reason for divers to be as versed in solo diving skills as possible even if you are not solo diving. Those skills can make or break a dive if an emergency happens. To be as self reliant as one can be just in case of an emergency and you have to fend for yourself makes for smart diving.

Twice in my diving experience thus far have I been separated from the group I was with and had to ascend by myself completing my deco obligations including shooting up an SMB to signal my position with the dive boat. While I was concerned about my dive mates, I knew I would be okay even though I was alone. Because I was confident in my skills to know I would be okay. The first time was at Barracuda Reef where the current was so strong that day the group got blown all over hell and I aborted the dive. The second time was at the end of a tec dive off of Florida where once again the current was so strong the group was getting beaten up by staying on the ascent buoy line. There was a communication issue and when I looked back I was alone on the line. I let go, as I was positive everyone else had also, got stable, shot up an SMB to tell the boat where I was and proceeded to do my deco time.

So yes, planning for the unexpected can really make the difference. But, I fear I have digressed from the OP's original question. Have a good one folks. B.
 
Yes, the newer models do but the CR2506 model, which I have, does not do nitrox.
Sherwood profile computers do handle nitrox.:DQuote from the Sherwood website.
313.12_ProfileImage12.jpg
313.2_ProfileImage2.jpg

  • 5
  • Navigational Console - Whether you’re 60’ down or 260’ down, you want exceptional reliability. You also want a computer that’s easy to read and makes sense. ProFile satisfies both requirements. ProFile has one of the most intuitive displays available today. Color indicating bands and a logical layout of readouts provide information at a glance. ProFile’s time-tested algorithm reliably calculates, updates and displays no decompression limits throughout your dive and if you get into a decompression situation it will give information for stops as deep as 60 feet. This practical dive computer also features: Features: • Analog ascent rate indicator with warnings. • Visual alarms. • HydroGlow backlit display for easy reading in low light situations. • Automatic altitude compensation to 14,000 feet. • Temperature readout. • User replaceable batteries. • Standard or metric unit selectivity. • Available in console, wrist mount, hose mount and capsule only configurations. • Easy console upgrades: ProFile fits all current Sherwood consoles and can be used as a replacement for the depth gauge. • Air/Nitrox or Gauge operating mode. Here is the url Welcome to Sherwood Scuba!
 
Getting nitrox for the price of air fill says to me they over charge for air. Nothing is free.

Tired of paying 1000 for car insurance with no reward for good driving. Insure with us for 1200 a year and we will send you 100 each 6 months for good driving.

Nothing up my sleeve, OOOOHHHHH guess I better get another hat.

I'm a firm believer in the "No free lunch" theory but it is a cheap lunch. Right across the channel from Coz wholesale air is 20 pesos and 32% is 40 pesos. So a buck and a half difference or less. Nitrox is a large markup item for a dive boat. I still pay for it. They need the money.
 
As long as we're digressing from the OP's original question, I'm chiming in. I love Mi Casa! I stayed there last winter and will be staying there again this year in a different room. When looking for a dive shop, check out their morning dive times if the free breakfast is important to you. Because I chose an earlier leaving dive shop, I was unable to take advantage of the free breakfast (started at 7:30 I think?) Do you know what room you're staying in? Enjoy!
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/perdix-ai/

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