TECHNICAL NITROX COURSETechnical nitrox is a program designed to train divers to conduct dives to depths between 30 - 51 metres using custom blend breathing gas mixes and to provide greater understanding of custom blend breathing gas mixtures, complete knowledge of the limits of any nitrox mixture and the use of nitrox and oxygen and nitrox for decompression.
Prerequisites
Qualified as an IANTD advanced nitrox diver with a minimum of 100 logged dives, 30 of these being deeper than 30m. Equivalent experience can be accepted provided the student is a nitrox diver and has 150 logged dives. Minimum age is 18.
Course Content.
- Psychological aspects of technical nitrox: Development of a safe philosophy for technical diving, stress management, risk analysis.
- Oxygen use and misuse: Theory on oxygen toxicity including the mechanics of both CNS and pulmonary O2 toxicity, further developing the knowledge gain from the Advanced course.
- Planning and developing nitrox mixtures: Determining safe PO2 limits, enabling the customisation of your nitrox mixes to suit the dives you wish to do. CNS tracking for custom mixes and high O2 deco mixes. Nitrox mixing and handling.
- Decompression: DCS, Bubble formation, signs and symptoms, first aid and causes of DCS.
- Equipment: Equipment configuration and management, Gas management.
- Dive Planning: Use of dive table and CNS/OTU tables to plan and conduct a dive, dive discipline, safe in-water diving practices, use of PC based decompression software.
- Equipment: Due to the nature of the diving that this course enables you to do, a certain amount of extra equipment is necessary. Twin tanks preferably with an isolation manifold, two primary regulators - one with a second stage hose of 1.5 meters in length, one or more stage cylinders sufficient for decompression. Regulators and tanks with high O2 contents must be O2 clean.
- Dives: Obtain proper buoyancy control whilst on the dive and during decompression stops with full equipment. Practice
out of air situations using long 2nd stage hoses in a variety of circumstances. Simulation of gas failure with valve
shutdowns for both primary regulators, removal and replacement of stage cylinders, safe deployment of a deco beg and
regulator switching while on stops. Demonstrate good dive technique and discipline during all phases of the course.
- No dives deeper than 51 m.
- Oxygen partial pressure may not exceed 1.4 bar during the working portion of the dive nor 1.6 bar during the decompression portion of the dives.
Course Cost
This is a three day course at £395 (excluding kit hire) fully inclusive of Student manual, certification etc. Boat fees are not included and are charged as extra at £40 per person per day.
