NITROX

DIVER
MANUAL
 © ESA WorldWide

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form

Product n° M0011

Editor: Mauro Bertolini

Formative project, development, consulting and revision:

Mauro Bertolini, Mario Romor, Miho Tsuruoka, Egidio
Trainito, Maria Laura Careddu

Text and photos: Mario Romor

Illustrations: Stefano Trainito, Jacopo Pasqualotto

Index

Chapter One
New chances
7 What will You learn?
7 Nitrox
8 Definitions
10 Calculations
14 Planning
20 Diving
21 Analysing O2
24 Congratulation!
25 What have You learn?

Chapter Two
26 What will you learn?
26 Miscellaneous
30 Equipment
33 Recharging
35 Oxigen
37 CNS oxygen clock
40 Managing emergencies
42 Congratulation!
43 What have You learn?
Chapter Three
47 Open Water dives 1 and 2
51 9 rules for diving with Nitrox

Appendix
52 ESA
54 9 Suggestions to preserve the aquatic environment
55 Not to be left at home
56 NOAA dive table of O2 exposition and conversion tables
57 Formulas
58 ESA EAN 36 – EAN 32 – AIR DIVE TABLES
60 O2 analisys
3
4
Chapter One
N e w c h a n c es
It’s a beautiful day, the sky is clear, the sea is
calm and the temperature is warm
1
outside and in the water as well.
These are the perfect conditions to
dive on the KT, one of the most inte-
resting and well kept wrecks of the
Mediterranean Sea.

Karen and Denise, two ESA Wreck

Diver licensed divers, are enthu-
siast: the good weather conditions
and the favourable sea state let
them have a great dive, and now,
back on the boat, they are discus-
sing it with Robert, the Diveleader
who escorted them. One only regret:
“It’s a pity the dive was so short!”

Several minutes later, while the

three divers are still talking, ano-
ther group of divers emerge. They
are guided by Lucy, the other
Diveleader that works at the diving
centre. After the divers are onboard,
Karen asks Lucy why they dived for
longer and if a decompress stop was
needed.
Lucy explains that, according to the
rules of the diving centre, dives
exceeding the no decompression
limits are forbidden, and that she
and the other divers could stay lon-
ger because they used a gas mix
similar to air, but with less nitrogen
and more oxygen: Nitrox.

Karen and Denise, happy for chance

to dive longer, ask Robert to use
Nitrox during the second dive, so that they could
visit the bow of the boat, that is surrounded by
many fish such as corvinas and groopers.
Robert tells them that is not possible to dive with
Nitrox because there are not enough cylinders
and they need to be trained to use it.
5
 Needless to say that, after noting that they must
finish their second dive before than the other
divers that are using Nitrox, the two friends deci-
de go get informed the ESA Nitrox Diver course.
Getting the ESA Nitrox Diver license is really
easy; this manual and your ESA Nitrox Diver
Instructor will provide all the information needed
The most to diver longer without exceeding the no decom-
greater time pression limits, using properly the two most com-
granted by mon Nitrox mixes: NOAA Nitrox 1 and NOAA
the Nitrox Nitrox 2 (i.e. Nitrox with 32% and 36% of oxygen
allows a respectively).
more accu-
rate explora- You will learn to analyse the gas mix what you
tion will use, to plan your dives and to monitor expo-
sure to oxygen.

During your course the ESA Nitrox Diver

Instructor will show how to perform all needed
actions and will give suggestions on the best
usage of the “hyper-oxygenated” gas mixes, in
order to take advantages from their potentiality
avoiding any potential problems.

Read and answer the questions you find in the

“miniquiz” and the “What have you learned?”
questionnaires, start this new adventure and add
your new important license to your collection.

The ESA Nitrox Diver license enables you to

recharge and hire Nitrox cylinders, dive with
Nitrox and satisfy the need to have it as a prere-
quisite for other courses.
This manual deals with the new limits establis-
hed for recreational dives with Nitrox; anyhow,
your new license does not authorize you to go
beyond the limits of your main license. For
instance, the limits for an ESA Open Water Diver
(or similar license released from other organisa-
tions) is 18 metres without exceeding the no
decompression limits.
If you have not done it already, in order to better
use the potentiality if Nitrox, you may think to
attend the ESA Advanced Diver course, in order
to extend your depth limit to 30 metres, always
within the no decompression limits.

The ESA Nitrox Diver program can be carried out

during other courses, such as ESA Open Water
Diver and ESA Advanced Diver; ask your instruc-
6
tor what you need to do to get the two licenses
during two integrated training programs.

What will you learn?

Knowing the composition of Nitrox, its effects,
how planning dives correctly and getting ready
for them makes the divers fully use the potentia-
1
lities of hyper-oxygenated gas mixes (or with
reduced amount of nitrogen) without exposing
themselves to risks.
What is Nitrox? What are the associated risks?
What do I need to do to plan dives with Nitrox?
How can I prepare my dive at the best? How The Nitrox
should I behave while diving? How will I analyze certifica-
the gas mix and check the oxygen percentage? tion that
You will find the answers to the above and other you will
questions in this chapter. The information you receive is
will get will be useful already during the first essential to
dive; should you have any doubts or additional participate
questions, don’t hesitate to ask your ESA Nitrox to immer-
Diver Instructor. sions with
the Nitrox
Nitrox
The word Nitrox is com-
posed by two words:
nitrogen and oxygen,
the two main gasses
that constitute the air
you breath everyday.
The air can be conside-
red to be a Nitrox mix
with 21% of oxygen,
that is the “normal”
percentage of oxygen
contained in the air.
Such a mix, with 21% of
oxygen and 79% of
nitrogen is called air,
while the word “Nitrox”
is specially used to indi-
cate an oxygen enri-
ched air mix. By Nitrox
we intend all those
breathable mixes with more oxygen and less
nitrogen.
You can easily understand that, in order to main-
tain the overall equilibrium and pressure of a
given amount of air, you need to increase the
quantity of oxygen when reducing the amount of
nitrogen.
7
 How does it happen? You will find the answer in
the next chapter which deals with preparation of
Nitrox. Please note that Nitrox can be prepared
by qualified people only.
Any mix containing a percentage of oxygen higher
than 21% can be called Nitrox or Enriched Air; the
oxygen percentage in mixes used for recreational
dives ranges between 21% and 40%. For safety
and practical reasons, the ESA Nitrox Diver course
deals mainly with the two most tested, diffused
and convenient ones: NOAA Nitrox I e NOAA
Minitest Nitrox II, containing 32% and 36% of oxygen
respectively.
1. True or False
The gas mixture prepara- In specific dives such as technical, military, explo-
tion must be performed by rative, scientific or during which people work
recreative divers. under water, Nitrox mixes with oxygen percentage
higher than 40% can be used; this is to reduce the
2. The word Nitrox is decompression time. The ESA Nitrox Diver course
composed from the is for divers who want to extend the no decom-
names of: pression limits respecting all safety margins.
a. Nitrogen and oxygen Therefore, this manual does not treat any of the
b. Oxygen and dioxide of specific dives listed herabove.
carbon
c. Nitrogen and helium Definitions
To avoid confusion and use the potentiality given
3. The denominated by Nitrox to the maximum extent, some defini-
mixture NOAA Nitrox 1 tions are needed. It may looks like things get
are essentially compo- more complex at the beginning, but you will be
able to remember them easily.
sed from: Let’s start from the two main gasses: as you may
a. 21 % oxygen and 79% already know, O2 is the symbol for oxygen and N2
nitrogen is that for nitrogen.
b. 32% oxygen and 68% Many divers refer to Nitrox calling it EANx, that
nitrogen is Enriched Air Nitrox, where “x” indicates the
oxygen percentage. EAN 32 and EAN 36 are the
c. 36% oxygen and 64% two “standard” mixes and are equivalent to enri-
nitrogen ched air with 32% of O2 (the former) and 36% of
O2 (the latter).
The National Atmospheric and Oceanic
Answer:1 False, 2 a; 3 b. Administration (NOAA), is an US organisation
involved in many subjects, mainly for commercial
reasons.
Its field of application ranges from dives on ocea-
nic sea bed to aerospace; it published the dive
planner with two Nitrox mixes mentioned above
in the seventies.
The person who standardised the two mixes was
Doctor Morgan Wells, who is know for having
managed the “Nitrox” program at NOAA. The
8
standardisation was needed to optimise the use
of Nitrox having regards to the maximum level of
safety.
It is thanks to his colleague, Dick Rutkowksi, that
Nitrox started to be used in sportive dives in the
eighties and, subsequently, in the recreational
dives.
1
It will happen that you will listen about “de-azoti-
sed air”; this is due to the fact that you can pro-
duce Nitrox by subtracting nitrogen from air.
Indeed, we can refer to Nitrox also in relation to
the fact that the percentage of nitrogen is redu-
ced instead of talking about the higher quantity
of oxygen. Anyhow, considering the effect that
the latter has while diving, the Nitrox mixes are
defined on the base of the quantity of oxygen
they contain.

Gas percentages are often called “fraction of a Always

gas” (Fg); for instance, fraction of O2 (or FO2 ) address to a
that indicates the quantity of oxygen, and specialized
Fraction N2 (or FN2) for nitrogen. Remember center
that by subtracting FO2 to 100 you
calculate FN2.

The effect of a gas on the organism

is dependent upon its partial pres-
sure, usually indicated with pp or
Pg. For instance, PO2 indicates the
oxygen partial pressure and PN2
the nitrogen one.
At sea level, where the ambient
pressure is 1 BAR or 1 ATM, you
can easily calculate the partial
pressure of the two gasses: it is the
21% of 1 BAR for oxygen (0,21 BAR)
and 79% of 1 BAR for nitrogen
(0,79 BAR). You will have already
noted that 0,21 + 0,79 = 1.
The next paragraph will teach you
to process other mathematical
operations related to dives with
Nitrox.
As already done for the ESA Open Water Diver
course, the pressure is indicated in BAR, that cor-
responds to 1 atmosphere or 14,7 PSI.
ATA indicates absolute pressure, that is the
ambient pressure, that is calculated adding 1 BAR
(the atmospheric pressure) to the hydrostatic
9
 pressure (1 BAR every 10 metres of salt water).

Calculations
Usually mathematics helps solving problems, dis-
covering new things and, during your ESA Open
Minitest Diver course, to calculate how the pressure chan-
ges with depth. Furthermore, the dive planner
are based upon mathematical calculations. Once
again, mathematics will help you in understan-
1. EANx initials it is used for ding principles and plan dives with Nitrox, maxi-
pointing out: mising amusement and making sure safety is fully
a. Enriched Air Nitrox guaranteed.
b. Air Enriched of Oxygen Planning dives is one of the most important acti-
c. a and b are exact vities when you use Nitrox. Planning has a funda-
mental role for safety and to better use the
2. The term "air nitrogen potentiality offered by Nitrox.
free" :
a. It is reported to the fact You have already learned to plan dives with air
that Nitrox can be produ- during your diving courses. Planning dives with
ced escaping nitrogen from Nitrox is based on the same steps and care, but,
the air in addition to this, you need to take in due
b. It is to point out a mixtu- account the different gas percentages. While a
re with high nitrogen con- smaller quantity of nitrogen extend the no
centration decompression limits, the higher quantity of oxy-
c. It points out a composed gen reduces the maximum depth you can reach
specific mixture of 80% of and increases the exposition to oxygen rate.
oxygen and 20% of nitro- Furthermore, in relation to the breathed gas, you
gen will have to take into consideration the equip-
ment you use (more information will follow in the
next chapter).
3. The sigles pp and Pg
point out: Extended no decompression limits imply a longer
a. The percentage of oxy- dive, for which you must consider Nitrox con-
gen sumption (breathing) and temperature of the
b. The nitrogen percentage water (you may be cold).
c. The partial pressure of a How can you calculate the extended no decom-
datum gas pression limits when using Nitrox? You will use
dive planners similar to those used for air, that
takes into account the reduced quantity of nitro-
gen; you can also use special computers specifi-
Answers:1 c; 2 a; 3 c. cally designed to dive with Nitrox.
You can use the “ESA Dive Tables” for air and find
the no decompression limits using the Equivalent
Air Depth (EAD) defined shortly, or the ESA “EAN
36 - EAN 32 - Air Dive Tables”, specifically desi-
gned to plan dives with the most diffused Nitrox
mixes and, if needed, with air.

Just like the ESA “Dive Tables”, the ESA “EAN 36 -

EAN 32-Air Dive Tables” contains three table that
10
enables you to plan single dives and provide pres-
sure groups after the dive (EANx Table 1), find the
new pressure group after a specific surface inter-

1
The ESA
val (EANx Table 2) and plan the repetitive dive Nitrox Dive
(EANx Table 3). table used
The ESA EANx Table 1 includes three columns for for Nitrox
EAN36, EAN32 and AIR respectively. The three 36 and 32
columns show the actual depths related to each point out
specific mix; using this table you don’t need to in 120
calculate the EAD to plan you dives. minutes
the maxi-
What is the EAD? To answer this questions, let’s mum time
refresh the partial pressure of gasses. of single
As you will remember, the effect of a gas on the immersion
organism is dependent
upon its partial pressu-
re. During your ESA
Open Water Diver cour-
se you learned that a
small quantity of car-
bon monoxide may be
tolerable at the sea
level but can be toxic
under water because of
its increasing partial
pressure.

The effects of nitrogen

are due to its partial
pressure; for this rea-
son, nitrogen narcosis
and nitrogen absorp-
tion increase with
depth.
It is easy to understand that the higher the nitro-
gen partial pressure, the smaller the no decom-
pression limits; there are to ways of increasing
them, or reducing the nitrogen narcotic effect: 1)
reducing depth and, therefore, the nitrogen par-
tial pressure; 2) reducing the quantity of nitrogen
in the gas mix, so that, at the same depth, the
partial pressure is less.
For instance, the quantity of nitrogen in an air
cylinder breathed at 20 metres as a partial pres-
sure of 2,37 BAR (0,79 BAR x 3 ATA), while the
ppN2 for the EAN36, at the same depth is 1,92
BAR (F N2 x ATA at 20 metres salt water = 0,64
bar x 3 bar =1,92 bar).

As you can see, the two partial pressures are sub-

11
 stantially different: 2,37 BAR vs 1,92 BAR; the
diver who breaths Nitrox absorbs the same

Minitest
amount of nitrogen of a diver that breaths air at
the same depth in a longer time.
1. The smaller nitrogen When you breath Nitrox at a given depth it is as if
quantity in the Nitrox: you were breathing air shallower; such shallower
a. It allows times of per- depth is called Equivalent Air Depth (EAD).
You can find the EAD’s for EAN32 ed EAN36 in the
manence longer than with “AIR” column of the ESA “EANx Table 1” or calcu-
the air late them with a simple mathematical operation:
b. It forces the scuba diver { [F N2 x (Profondità + 10)] diviso 0,79} – 10.
to long standstills of This formula can be used to calculate the EAD for
decompression any Nitrox mix; all you need to do is use the pro-
per FN2 and the desired depth.
c. It reduces the times of For instance, 0,64 times 30 divided 0,79 and redu-
permanence within the ced by 10 = 14,3 metres, that is the EAD equiva-
limits of not decompres- lent for 20 metres with EAN36. Diving at 20
sion metres breathing Nitrox 39, is equivalent to
diving at 14.3 metres with air; indeed the ppN2 at
20 metres with Nitrox 36 is the same of that at
2. The "EAD": 14,3 metres with air.
a. It is to point out the Note: all these operations (and the following
Equivalent Air Depth ones) are considering that the ambient pressure
(equivalent depth with the in salt water increases by 1 BAR every 10 metres.
air)
The modern computers behave the same more or
b. It serves for planning less; you need to set the correct percentage of O2
the immersions with the measured in the mix you are going to use, and the
Nitrox computers calculate the no decompression limits
c. a and b are exact based upon the EAD.
You will plan your dives many time during your
course, both with ESA “EAN 36 - EAN 32-Air Dive
3. The effects of the gases Tables” and computer (if available).
are due:
a. To their partial pressure You will have understood why Nitrox provides
b. To the temperature of extended no decompression limits; anyhow, as
the underwater environ- usually happens, you have advantages and disad-
vantages. In our case the latter is due to the
ment increased quantity of oxygen and is constituted
c. To the partial pressure by a limitation in the maximum depth.
of another gas As you have already learned during your ESA
Open Water Diver course, the oxygen is needed
Answers:1 a; 2 c; 3 a. for living but, when its partial pressure exceeds a
given amount, it becomes toxic; the maximum
partial pressure of O2 (PO2) that can be tolerated
is set to 1,6 BAR.
This is a very critical limit and, to guarantee
safety, you should not exceed 1,4 BAR PO2 when
diving. This gives you a safety margin in case you
12
should inadvertently dive deeper or longer than
you should.
Air, that contains 21% of oxygen, cannot cause
troubles due to oxygen toxicity (hyperoxia) diving
not deeper than 56 metres if such limit is respec-
ted.
As the limit for recreational dives is set to 40
1
metres, all breathing air divers that respect it are
far away from suffering any oxygen intoxication.
Be careful! The maximum depth is not constant
when breathing Nitrox; it changes with the quan-
tity of oxygen, therefore you must carefully analy-
se the mix contained in your cylinders. EAN brea-
thing 36 to
Maximum Operative Depth (MOD) 31 meters
A workshop arranged to evaluate the conditions the same
of dives with Nitrox held in the 2000. nitrogen
Decompression physiologists, researchers, equip- quantity is
ment manufacturers and technicians attended it. absorbed
It was appraised that diving within the limit of 1,6 that to 24
BAR PO2 can be considered safe, provided that it meters with
is strictly respected and that exposition to oxygen the air
is not excessive. Many computers consider safe
setting the PO2 limit at 1,5 BAR.

To guarantee safety, you can decide

to plan your dives in order to set the
PO2 limit at 1,4 BAR, so that you can
still have a good safety margin in
case you dive slightly deeper (it
should never happen even when
diving with air) provided you don’t
exceed 1,6 BAR.
The ESA “EAN 36 - EAN 32-Air Dive
Tables” provides the MOD for the
two common mixes: 36 metres for
EAN 32 e 31 metres for EAN 36.
These limits are based upon the PO2
set at 1,5 BAR. You must plan and
dive with Nitrox in order to never
exceed such depths. The operation
that enables you do calculate the
MOD for a given mix is the following:
[(1,5 x 10) : FO2] - 10 = MOD
Computers can work for you. Indeed, there are
computers for dives with Nitrox that provide
acoustic or visual alarm to the diver when rea-
ching the PO2 limit set before diving. We will talk
about computer shortly.
13
 Planning
Plan your dives as always done, making arrange-
ments with a dive mate that is not less qualified
than you.
Note: Instructors must be specifically trained to
dive with Nitrox too.
Make sure the equipment is suitable for Nitrox
and analyse the cylinder. The ESA Instructor will
teach you how to do it; concentrate and try as
many times as possible; don’t hesitate to ask que-
stions if you don’t feel confident.
Analysing the cylinder is mandatory for each dive
Minitest with Nitrox and is the first thing to do when pre-
paring and planning your dives.
The preceding paragraph explained that all you
1. The Nitrogen pp (PN2) need to do is concentrating on the percentage of
to 30 meters, EAN brea- oxygen in the cylinder you will use. You will have
thing 36 is: to analyse it personally, sign a specific register
a. 1,92 bar and declare that you are aware of what you are
b. 2,56 bar about to use and how to use it.
c. 2,72 bar You will find this procedure really simple after
having applied a few times, and you will feel more
2. The EAD for an immer- confident after having checked the content of the
sion to 30 meters EAN 32 cylinder yourself. In many countries this procedu-
breathing is: re is dictated by the existing laws and local rules;
a. 22,4 meter get informed about them when you are planning a
b. 15,8 meter travel, as always. You can be properly assisted if
c. 24,4 meter you get in touch with an ESA Point or with ESA
Nitrox Diver Instructor.
3.3. Considering the limits After having checked the cylinder you can plan
of the course ESA Nitrox your dive, bearing in mind that a 1% tolerance is
Diver, the MOD for EAN 32 allowed; this means that a mix containing a quan-
are ______; while for EAN tity of oxygen that ranges between 31% and 33%
36 correspond to_______: can be considered to be EAN32.
a. 40 meter / 34 meter
b. 36 meter / 31 meter Tables
c. 31 meter / 36 meter Respect all the rules you learned during your ESA
Open Water Diver course. Set the maximum
depth you want to reach and make sure it is com-
Answers:1 b; 2 c; 3b. patible with the limit set for the specific mix you
will use (EAN 36 = 31 metres – EAN 32 = 36
metres).
If the depth is compatible with such limit, you can
look for it in the ESA “EAN 36 - EAN 32-Air Dive
Tables” – Table 1, in the column related to the
mix you are about to use (EAN 36, EAN 32 or AIR);
otherwise, you can use the next higher value.
After you have identified the correct depth, move
to the right; you will find the EAD in the “AIR”
column, then all times and the no decompression
14
limit or, should it not higher, the Exposition to
Oxygen limit (120’).
From this point you can proceed as if you were
planning your dives with air.
For instance, should you want to dive at 21
metres using EAN32, while this depth is clearly
displayed on the instruments you use during the
1
dive, you will not find it on the table, therefore,
you will have to consider the next higher availa-
ble value. For the “EAN32” column, this value is Before use
22 metres, equivalent to 18 metres EAD in the remembers
“AIR” column. to always
The no decompression limits (50’) is the same at analyze the
24 metres with EAN36, at 22 metres with EAN32 air mixture
and at 18 metres with air. Based
upon the duration of the dive, the
same applies to the pressure group.
The procedure for repetitive dives
with air applies also to repetitive
dives with Nitrox. Once you decide
the maximum depth of the new dive,
look for it in the “EANx Table 3”, in
the column related to the Nitrox mix
you intend to use. Intercept the line
related to depth with the column
related to the pressure group and
complete planning your dive as you
already know. For instance, assume
you have dived at 20 metres for 39
minutes using EAN32 during the first
dive, your pressure group is G. After
1:30 hour-surface interval, the pres-
sure group is E (see the EANx Table
2) and you decide to dive at 15
metres using EAN32.
Identify the line of the “EANx Table
3” related to the chosen depth and
intersect if with the column related
to the pressure group (E). you will
find the Residual Nitrogen Time of
49’ (yellow cell) and the No
Decompression Limit of 81’ (green
cell).
You should not dive more than three times using
Nitrox during the same day; indeed, should you
choose to dive three times, it is advisable to dive
using air within 18 metres the third time.
You can plan to have repetitive dives using diffe-
rent Nitrox mixes and air. Be careful when using
the dive planner, specifically when looking for the
15
 depth and the column related to Nitrox or pressu-
re group: should you make any mistakes you may
be subject to Decompression Disease or hypero-
xia. For the same reason, remember to set the
correct oxygen percentage before diving with the
The EANx computer.
Table 3 point Let’s consider the following example: Andrew and
out the nitro- Michael are going to dive at 27 metres using
gen residue EAN32. what is the maximum operative depth for
and the new this Nitrox mix considering a limit PO2 of 1,5
limit of not BAR? 36 metres, therefore they made the right
decompres- choice. To plan the dive, they look for the depth
sion for the in the “EAN32” column of the “EANx Table 1”; as
consecutive 27 metres is not included in the table, they must
immersions consider 29 metres. They read the Equivalent Air
Depth in the “AIR” column (24 metres) then the
no decompression limit (30’), choose the duration
of the dive and identify the related pressure
group. The two friend decide to dive at 27 metres
for 25 minutes; the pressure group at then of the
five is F.
They plan a repetitive dive on a rocky seabed
close to Butterfly Head; they have to sail for
about 2 hours and 30 minutes, a good surface
time that makes the F pressure group turn to C.
The maximum depth for the second dive is 20
metres, and they will use EAN36. After having
checked with the analyser that the oxygen per-
centage stated on the card attached on the cylin-
der is correct, they use the “EANx Table 3”. They
look for the chosen depth in the EAN35 column
and intersect the related line with the column
specific to the C pressure group. The Residual
Nitrogen Time is 21’ (yellow cell) and the new No
Decompression Limit is 49’ (green column).
The place is really nice, but they dive for 45 minu-
tes only. Adding the actual duration of the dive
with the Residual Nitrogen Time they can use the
pressure group at the end of the second dive (45
+ 21 = 66 minutes, corresponding to the I pressu-
re group).
As you see, things change if you compare dives
with air to dives with Nitrox. You must take care
of the oxygen percentage, identify the related
maximum operative depth and make sure you
never dive deeper.
You must make sure you will never exceed the
allowed exposition to oxygen, although this is
almost automatically respected if you respect all
parameters related to recreational dives. Avoid
16
diving more than three times, or to dive for more
than 120 minutes for a single dive or 180 minutes
for repetitive dives over 24 hours.
Some computers calculate the exposition to oxy-
gen based on the percentage of the maximum
tolerable quantity: make sure you don’t exceed
90% over 24 hours; indeed, make sure you main-
1
tain well under this limit. You will see that diving
cautiously you will enjoy your dives more.

With the computer

Should you wish to dive with a computer, make
sure it can calculate dives with Nitrox. Check Always veri-
carefully the oxygen percentage set; for instance, fies perso-
the display must show that the it is set to 36% in nally , with
case you dive with EAN36. Remember, there are the O2
several models of computers able to plan dives analyser,
with gas mixes other than air; read the user that the per-
manual carefully to be sure you use your compu- centage of
ter correctly and safely. O2 pointed
Dive applying the techniques you learned during out on the
your ESA OWD course and as stated in the ESA label is exact
Advanced Diver manual and ESA Computer Diver
manual.
Remember that you must respect
the maximum depth related to the
PO2 and that you always must verify
the percentage of oxygen set, spe-
cially when changing mixes from one
dive to the other.
Try to imagine the consequences of
diving with first time with EAN36,
setting the oxygen percentage at
36% and the second time with air
without changing the computer set-
tings. You would believe that you
have not exceeded the no decom-
pression limits while you have
already exceeded them; you would
ascend unsafely and be subject to
the decompression disease.
As you have read in the previous
paragraph, the computer provides
the exposure to oxygen percentage showing num-
bers or graphically. Should you exceed the 50% of
the tolerable exposure, wait at least for an hour
before diving again (this should be done anyway),
make sure you don’t exceed 90% over 24 hours
(or any other value indicated the computer manu-
facturer). Whenever you should exceed such
17
 limit, don’t dive for 12 hours at least.
At this stage you may be asking yourself if you can
dive with Nitrox when the oxygen percentage is
set to 21% (air) in the computer. Yes, you can do
it. indeed, the no decompression limits with are
A computer more stringent than those for Nitrox, so you
for the would be safer. Some divers use this procedure to
immersions increase the safety margins in case of repetitive
Nitrox that dives. Anyhow, you must remember to analyse
visualizes the the gas mix you are about use for your dive and
nitrogen not to exceed the maximum operative depth rela-
absorption ted to the oxygen percentage, in order not to be
and the subject to PO2 beyond 1,5 BAR (the computers for
exposure to air don’t provide any alarm in case you exceed it,
the oxygen so you must respect it).
Should the computer fail while diving, react in
accordance with the procedure you learned
during the ESA OWD course: ascend without wai-
ting any longer but slowly to 5 metres and have a
long safety stop, as far as the left quantity of
Nitrox you have enables you to do it.
The usage of computers for dives with Nitrox is
quite similar to that for air and the rules to be
respected are the same. Once again, read care-
fully the user manual supplied by the manufactu-
rer. Should you wish to improve your knowledge
on computers, you can attend the ESA Computer
Diver course.
Be cautious! As you know, thanks to its capability
to calculate the nitrogen absorption, the compu-
ter let you dive longer if you dive starting deeper
and then ascend to shallower depths in order to
reduce the nitrogen absorption rate. You will be
able to dive even longer using Nitrox, so plan your
dives in order to start to ascend well in advance
of getting close to the no decompression limit,
respect the maximum operative depth and take
into account the exposition to oxygen.

British system
Some countries use the British system. For instan-
ce, if you dive in the Caribbean Sea and hire your
equipment, you will use instruments that measu-
re depth in feet. Therefore, you will have to con-
vert measures. Remember that 10 metres corre-
spond to 10 feet and that 1 BAR is 14,7 PSI. The
appendix to this manual will provide conversion
tables and formulas to calculate maximum opera-
tive depth, equivalent air depth and partial pres-
sures. If you bring your computer with you, you
18
will not need to make any conversions.

Diving
Diving with Nitrox is just like diving with air; you
only need to take care of all the parameters and
don’t exceed the maximum planned depth.
Oxygen intoxication can affect the Central
1
Nervous System and have no premonitory
symptoms ; therefore respecting the maximum
operative depth is mandatory.

Minitest
For instance, should the limit be 31 metres, pre-
pare yourself mentally and physically in order not
to exceed 29/30 metres; this gives you a good
safety margin in case of distractions. If you are 1. In the immersions with
supervised by a Diveleader, dive shallower than Nitrox, the analysis of the
him and plan your dives in sites where exceeding oxygen from who uses it is
the maximum operative depth is not that easy. a considere procedure:
To avoid problems due to oxygen intoxication, a. obligatory
remember to respect the limits established for b. useless
the global exposition to oxygen over 24 hours. c. optional
Your ESA Instructor and the dives included in the
course will teach you to control these two impor-
tant parameters and avoid problems. By the way, 2. To plan an Nitrox dive
the depth limits are established also for dives with the ESA table is neces-
with air, therefore, we can barely state that diving sary to know:
with Nitrox doesn’t introduce anything new: a. the EAD
either way, a good diver must be able to control b. the MOD
all the instruments to monitor all parameters and c. a and b are exact
respect all limits. You do the same when you
drive your car: you monitor the speed to avoid to 3. Using the underwater
exceed the limits and check any warning lights. computer, when we chan-
This helps in avoiding fines, running out of petrol ges type of mixture it is
or damaging the engine. important:
So, checking your instruments while diving, and a. to vary the percentage of
making sure your dive mate does it as well, you O2 on the tool
avoid exceeding the depth limits in order to pre- b. to wait for 24 hours bet-
vent nitrogen narcosis or oxygen intoxication, and ween an immersion and the
make sure you don’t exceed the no decompres- other
sion limits, reducing the chances to get decom- c. a and b are exact
pression sickness; you avoid running out of air or
Nitrox in order to prevent sudden and uncontrol- Answers:1 a; 2 c; 3 a.
led ascends. Being perfectly trimmed helps in
exceeding the limits, so that you can be more
relaxed while diving, and concentrate on what
you are doing.
Considering how dangerous the effects of oxygen
can be, should you feel and symptoms imputable
to this gas, ascend and get out of water without
wasting time, and don’t dive for 24 for hours as a
minimum.
19
 Analysing oxygen
Minitest As you have read, you must analyse Nitrox cylin-
ders to check the oxygen percentage before using
them. This procedure is one of the few things that
1. In the Nitrox dives: change from diving with air. It may look a bit com-
a. it needs to foresee to plicated at the beginning, but you will find it
ascend with at least 100 easier and easier as you get experienced; the
bar in the cylinder most important things is that the oxygen analyser
must be correctly set. This component was origi-
b. it behaves us as in the nally developed for health purposes, and is widely
other immersions, monito- used in hospitals to monitor the percentage of
ring with attention depth, oxygen supplied to patients. Specific oxygen
time and manometer analysers have been developed since when diffe-
c. variations of depth can- rent gas mixes are used for diving. Usually, the
analyser consists of a sensor, a transducer, a
not be effected coaxial cable, a computer with liquid crystal dis-
play, buttons to switch it on and set its functions
2. To respect the time and and parameters. Some analysers can provide
depth limits is important for: maximum operative depth and equivalent air
a. to prevent the MDD and the depth for the analysed Nitrox.
The same rule applicable to computers apply to
oxygen poisoning analysers: you must read the instruction in the
b. to avoid excessive loss of user manual and respect them. Your ESA Nitrox
heat Diver Instructor will teach you (maybe he has
c. to prevent the MDD already done it) to use one or more analyser
models. Pay attention to his lessons and don’t
hesitate to ask questions; try the procedure until
3. If imputable symptoms you feel you have learned perfectly. Should you
to oxygen poisoning are buy or use an analyser different from what you
manifested: have used during your training, ask information to
a. ascent for 1 meter and the dealer or the operator that is supplying it.
continue the dive Anyway, some procedures are always the same,
no matter the analyser model:
b. immediately ascent, on
surface, to go out of the - make sure you deal with professional and relia-
water and not to effect ble diving centres
dives for at least 24 hours
c. stop on the bottom and - read the user manual
to restore the control of - check that it is fit and that the batteries are
the respiraton charged (or perfectly connected to the electric
line)
Answers:1 a; 2 c; 3 b.
- verify that the sensor is properly working and
not expired (read the terms related to its substi-
tution provided by the manufactured)

- connect the cable to the computer and to the

sensor correctly
20
- its operability can be compromise by extreme
temperatures, altitude and pressure variations,
humidity and condensate (see the instructions)

- avoid holding the sensor and your hand palm

- turn on the analyser and check the

Example
of O2
analyser
1
display and wait that the numbers it
shows stabilise to fixed values

- set the instruments using air (21%

O2) and, possible, with pure oxygen
(…99% O2)

- use a flow meter to make sure that

the sensor is receiving the correct
flow of gas; this is of fundamental
importance to prevent dangerous
consequences due to wrong readings
by the analyser

- make the analyses 3 times and

make sure you always get the same
values

- if appropriate, make the check with

air (21% O2)

- should the instrument provide

additional functions (maximum ope-
rative depth, pp O2, no decompres-
sion limits, equivalent air depth...
)make sure you have correctly set
the right data and respect the
instructions provided by the manu-
facturer

- turn off the analyser and store it

adequately (unless anybody else
needs to use it)

- write the oxygen percentage on the

card and on the register

- write the MOD for the analysed depth on the

card

- sign to confirm you have analysed the cylinder

and that you know the O2 percentage in the cylin-
der you will use
21
 Is funda- When the flow meter is not available, some divers
mental to use to measure the oxygen percentage putting
read with the sensor in a space saturated of the Nitrox mix
attention the to analyse.
instructions You can use a plastic bag with a hole for the sen-
of the pro- sor and another for the regulator; in this case, as
ducer of the the sensor doesn’t work well when the pressure
O2 analyser increases, you must avoid to inflate the bag too
much. Furthermore, it is important
to “wash” the bag, filling it up with
Nitrox and then emptying it 3 times
before proceeding with the analysis.
Anyhow, a flowmeter is preferable.
Should you not use the instrument
for long, remove the batteries and
disconnect the sensor before putting
it away; the sensor must be stored in
its specific container. You must put
everything in a place with no humi-
dity, away from sunlight and extre-
me temperature.
Respect all instructions related to
the sensor substitution. You must
know that the life of the sensor
depends on its exposition to oxygen,
irrespective from the fact that it is
connected to the analyser.
You will have understood that the
oxygen analysis is the most impor-
tant part of the preparation for the
dives with Nitrox, therefore, you
must get skilled in analysing your
cylinder. Anyhow, as already stated,
it is not a complex operation; fur-
thermore, remember that the new
analysers provide reliable results if
the instructions provided by the manufacturers
are respected.

Watch OUT!
The sensor contains a liquid that can be harmful, it avoids to touch it if you notice los-
ses of liquid, both that you deal with a sensor in use or that you deal with a new sen-
sor, in this case it is advisable to avoid to open the wrapping that contains it (usually
transparent).
If the sensor introduces signs of usury and loss of liquid it must be replaced, in any
case it is had to try to mend its hull with glue or other.
In case of accidental contact with the liquid it is necessary to wash abundantly the
stricken area with current sweet water and to look for medical intervention.
 Congratulations! 1
Now you can plan, together with your ESA Nitrox
Diver Instructor, your first dives with Nitrox. You will
be exited and curious of trying it. You have already Minitest
established the basis to become a skilled ESA Nitrox
Diver: you know what Nitrox is, you know the basic 1. Among the O2 analyser's
terminology, you know why it extends the no components there are:
decompression limits. You can calculate the partial a. sensor, cable, tool and
pressure of the gasses at the various depths, the system of setting
maximum operative depth and the equivalent air b. sensor, cable, wrist strap
depth for the two main Nitrox mixes. You have used and system of setting
the mathematical formulas to plan your dives and to c. system of setting, cable,
better understand how to use Nitrox, and know the microphone and tool
fundamental steps for analysing it.
Analyse the cylinder you will use together with your 2. The analyser's sensor for O2:
Instructor, plan your dive and enjoy your first expe- a. it must be replaced respec-
rience with Nitrox. Next chapter will provide detailed ting the indications of the
information on other important features of diving manufacturing house
with Nitrox. b. it is sensitive to the damp
and the variations of pressure
c. a and b are exact

3. Analyzing the air, the analy-

ser for O2 has to notice:
to. around 79% of O2
b. around 21% of O2
c. around 32% of O2

Answers:1 a; 2 c; 3 b.

23
 What have You learned?
This exercise will let your review all the most important
information contained in this unit, so that you can
improve your preparation and be ready for your next
appointment with your instructor. Answer the questions
choosing the right questions among the listed ones.
Check you answers with your Instructors; in case of any
inaccuracy, he will provide all the needed explanations.

1. The Nitrox is a gas mix composed of:

a. oxygen and nitrogen
b. helium and oxygen
c. helium, nitrogen and oxygen

2. The two most diffused Nitrox mixes are:

a. EAN 37 e EAN 25
b. NOAA Nitrox IV and NOAA Nitrox V
c. NOAA Nitrox I and NOAA Nitrox II

3. The reduced quantity of nitrogen:

a. extend the no decompression limits
b. reduces the effects of nitrogen narcosis
c. both a. and b. are correct

4. The nitrogen partial pressure in the Nitrox 36 mix at

the sea level is:
a. 1 bar
b. 0,36 bar
c. 0,64 bar

5. The EAD for a dive at 19 m with EAN 32 is:

a. 14,97 m
b. 24,97 m
c. 13,49 m

6. The no decompression limit for a dive at 27 metres

with EAN 36, in the ESA Tables is:
a. 25 minutes
b. 40 minutes
c. 30 minutes

7. The no decompression limit for a dive at 27 metres

with air, in the ESA Tables is:
a. 25 minutes
b. 40 minutes
c. 30 minutes

8. The maximum PO2 limit to take into account when

planning dives with Nitrox is:
24
a. 1,8 bar
b. 1,5 bar
c. 0,5 bar

9. The divers that use a computer, before diving with

Nitrox must:
a. read the instructions provided by the manufacturer
b. set the O2 percentage correctly
1
c. both a. and b. are correct

10. MOD means:

a. minimum operative depth
b. maximum operative depth
c. the ascend procedure after dives with Nitrox

11. The depth limit using EAN 30 is:

a. 30 metres
b. 40 metres
c. 38 metres

12. The analysis of oxygen:

a. can be done only by the operators what recharge
the cylinders
b. can be done by the Nitrox Instructor
c. must be done by the end-user

13. In case of signs of oxygen intoxication::

a. ascend a bit and continue the dive
b. emerge and get out of the water
c. emerge, get out our of the water and don’t dive for
24 hours

14. For a more accurate oxygen analysis:

a. you should use a flow regulator
b. you should keep the sensor on you hand palm
c. you should set the instrument in order to read 79%
on the display

15. To avoid damages during the oxygen analysis, the

sensor must be substituted:
a. every 4 years
b. in accordance with the indications of the manufacturer
c. every 6 years

I declare that I have reviewed all the wrong answers

with the ESA Instructor, and that I have understood the
related explanation.

Signature __________________________date_________
25
 Chapter Two
What will you learn?
The preceding chapter provided the information
you need to plan your dives with Nitrox; maybe
you have already used such information for your
first dive with such a mix. As anticipated, there
other important information that can help you in
making you more aware about diving with Nitrox;
this will help you improving your safety and conti-
nuing your diving career.

This chapter will answer questions such as: is

more convenient using air or Nitrox? Which are
the advantages of Nitrox? Which are the related
complications and disadvantages? Do I need to
change my equipment to use Nitrox? How are
Nitrox cylinders identified? How are the EANx
mixes prepared? Who can recharge Nitrox cylin-
ders? Who must analyse the oxygen percentage?
What are the effects of carbon dioxide? Does
Nitrox eliminate Decompression Sickness and
Narcosis? What should I do if I see an accident?
How can I bring help?
All the subjects answering the above questions
will be treated in accordance with the recreatio-
nal dives philosophy, simplifying the most difficult
concepts without forgetting the information that
improve your safety and the advantages of dives
with Nitrox.

Miscellaneous
If you add oxygen to air, the percentages of oxy-
gen and nitrogen change: the first increases and
the second decreases. The same happens if you
remove nitrogen from air. Let’s have a look at
advantages and disadvantages of Nitrox. As you
already know, the main advantage is the exten-
sion of the no decompression limits; this feature
is more appreciated when diving between 15 and
30 metres. Thanks to Nitrox you will be able to
explore a site for longer without exceeding the no
decompression limits.
You may think that diving with hyper-oxygenated
mixes, respecting the no decompression limits for
air, causes safety improvements. This is partially
true if you consider that comparing to dives at
the same depth for the same time, one with
26
Nitrox and one with air, the nitrogen absorption is
reduced with diving with Nitrox.
Anyhow, under a mere statistic point of view, the
degree of occurrence of decompression sickness
is really small also for
dives with air, therefore,
Nitrox cannot be conside-
red 100% safer than air.
Nitrox reduces the affects
of nitrogen narcosis;
nevertheless, high pressu-
re oxygen can cause simi-
lar effects. Therefore,
admitting that Nitrox eli-
minates completely the
effects of narcosis is not
2
correct.
Many divers state that
after dives with Nitrox
they are less weary than
they are after dives with
air, and that under water
they are much more con-
centrated; indeed, it is
often used on cruises
boats and by guides who
dive many times everyday.
Planning dives with Nitrox
is not so different from
doing it with air. You have
to take into considera-
tions some specific fac-
tors: availability of Nitrox,
need to check the oxygen
percentage, limits (depth
and time) related to oxy-
gen toxicity to the central
nervous system (CNS) and
for the whole organism
(mainly to lunges).
Although Nitrox is still
hardly available in some
cases, it is getting more
and more diffused. Should
you participate to diving
cruises with people that dive exclusively with
Nitrox on a boat equipped to produce it, why not
using it? Thanks to new technologies and impro-
ved systems to produce oxygen enriched air,
Nitrox recharge stations are more and more diffu-
sed in many diving centres of the most famous
27
The Nitrox locations for dives.
helps to reduce The analysis of the oxygen percentage may seem
the effects to request extra efforts but, as stated several
narcotics of the times, a bit of experience makes it become a very
nitrogen simple procedure that doesn’t take too long; fur-
thermore, you will feel safer and will enjoy your
dive more if you analyse your own
Nitrox cylinder..
Should you have doubts on the data
provided by the oxygen analyser, if
the diving centre is serious and relia-
ble, you can decide to plan your dive
in order to limit the depth to the
highest oxygen percentage measu-
red and the no decompression limit
to the lowest value. You will be sure
to avoid both decompression sick-
ness and oxygen intoxication to your
CNS. Oxygen toxicity for the CNS is
extremely serious as it can affect the
divers’ health; anyhow, to prevent
any related problems, respect the
PO2 limit of 1.5 bar and the maxi-
mum exposition to oxygen that is
commonly agreed by many scientists
(doctors, physiologists and resear-
chers). As you know, there are limits
to be respected also when you dive
with air; while the disadvantage of
diving with Nitrox is that such limits
are more stringent, they are justified
by the longer dive time and that,
anyway, maintains the exposition to
oxygen within safe and acceptable
levels.
Planning dives bearing in mind the
morphology of the seabed is advisa-
ble: this avoids exceeding the maxi-
mum depth and helps in taking the
most from Nitrox. The recreational
diver that, thanks to the ESA Deep
Diver course, can dive down to 40
metres, cannot reach this depth nei-
ther with EAN36 nor with EAN32.
Oxygen toxicity to the human organism (mainly
for lunges) can be controlled respecting the expo-
sition time indicated in the NOAA tables, i.e. 120
minutes for a single dive and 180 for the repetiti-
ve ones.
Finding a balance is the only way to enjoy the
28
advantages of Nitrox; to do this, take in due
account the type of dive and the objective to
reach. Probably, diving on a wall, with the compu-
ter, following a multilevel path, you don’t need to
use Nitrox as this kind of dives let you stay under
water considerably long. You know that, should
you want to explore an area between 23 and 27
metres to look for a specific organism or to enjoy
the spectacular gorgonias, the no decompression
limit is 25 minutes with air and 40 minutes with
EAN 36 (equivalent air depth 21 metres); you may
dive at the maximum depth for about 26/37 minu-
tes maintaining a good safety margin and being
more concentrated.
Considering that when you breath Nitrox the
2
nitrogen absorption is reduced, you can decide to
use it even if a specific dive don’t let you enjoy The safety
the advantages of extending the no decompres- stop for 3
sion limits. minutes to
As already said, you will have to take into account 5m must
Nitrox availability, but there is another factor to also be effec-
be considered: cold. Sometimes enjoying the ted in the
advantages of Nitrox is difficult because of cold Nitrox dives
water limiting the dive duration.
Another issue could be the air (or
Nitrox) consumption. These issues
can be solved using bigger cylinders
and diving either in warm seas or
with a dry suit.

Calculating your air/Nitrox con-

sumption
Consider that a person breath about
20 litres of air per minute in regular
conditions at sea level; as you lear-
ned during the ESA OWD course, the
consumption must be related to the
specific depth you are diving. Thus,
at 30 metres (4 ATA) the consump-
tion is 80 litres per minute (20 litres
x 4 ATA).
As you know, a 15-litre cylinder char-
ged at 200 bas contains 3000 litres
of gas (air or Nitrox, 15 litres x 200 bars). The
cylinder duration ad 30 metres can be estimated
diving 3000 by 80 (3000 litres/80 litres per minu-
te = 37.5 minutes). The gas consumption changes
from diver to diver and depends about specific
conditions: breathlessness and cold, as well as
fatigue, can drastically increase the gas consump-
29
 tion. Therefore, this calculation, can only help
you in understanding if the capacity of a specific
cylinder can support the no decompression limits
extended by diving with Nitrox. Although this cal-
culation is based on conservative assumptions,
Control you must check your manometer frequently, and
system of remember to emerge when the cylinder pressure
oxigen filling is 50 bars.

Heat dispersion
To prevent excessive
heat dispersions and
enjoy the potentiality
of Nitrox you should
dive where the tempe-
rature of the water is
higher than 22°C,
during the warm sea-
son, when it is hot, or
using a dry suit.
The dry suit reduces
the heat exchange wit
water thanks to the air
between the suit and
the skin of the diver.
Remember that to use
a dry suit safely you
should be trained! Ask
your instructor about the ESA Dry Diver Course.
Using a dry suit is not difficult, but it takes the
right training and experience; on the other end, it
gives you the possibility to extend the dive time
in cold water.
The newest diving equipment is both more and
more reliable and comfortable; it gives divers the
possibility to enjoy diving thoroughly. The next
paragraph deals with equipment and how they
relate to oxygen enriched mixes. The outcome of
the analysis per next paragraph is that using
Nitrox is always the best choice: it extends the no
decompression limits, the chance to suffer of
decompression sickness is reduced thanks to the
fact that you breath less nitrogen, you can be
more concentrated and, last but not least, you
will be less tired also after some repetitive dives.

Equipment
The oxygen oxidizing features, as well as the com-
bustion supporting power, depends on its concen-
tration.
30
Warnings and procedures related to equipment to
dive with Nitrox are based on such features.
In addition to taking into account all the precau-
tions with equipment and related maintenance
you learned during your previous courses, you
need to consider that some materials (such as
rubber) get worn faster if exposed to high oxygen
concentration. This may cause some malfunc-
tions.
Furthermore, remember that grease (hydrocar-
bon for instance) mixed with oxygen causes com-
bustions, as well as flames or sparks due to elec-
trical discharges.
Sudden combustions can cause explosions which
put in danger people, animals and things.
The outcome of the workshop about Nitrox diving
held in 2000 referred to in the first chapter, is
that the standard equipment can be used with gas
mixes containing up to 40% of oxygen, unless A Nitrox-
otherwise specified by the manufacturer. dedicatd
Luckily, the recreational divers use enriched air regulator
mix with a 40% maximum percenta-
ge of oxygen; furthermore, the
most two common Nitrox mixes,
EAN32 and EAN36, contribute to
making the equipment exposed to
lower percentages.
Very good news! You don’t need to
change your equipment to start this
new exiting adventure.
Be careful although! The above
doesn’t apply to cylinders and val-
ves, which need to be specifically
approved for oxygen enriched
mixes: we will treat this topic in a
while.
Although you can dive with the
equipment you usually use for dives
with air, you should think about
using oxygen compatible compo-
nents.
Every time you have to overhaul your equipment,
inform the technicians that you are using Nitrox
and ask them to add the improvements needed
(specifically, they will take care of seals, rubber
components and lubricants).
Should you have to buy a new piece of equip-
ment, consider the possibility to buy components
designed to withstand Nitrox; for instance, as
buying a good regulator improves safety, you
31
 should buy one that is designed to be used at oxy-
gen high concentrations. This will make your
dives safer and you will enjoy the more.
All the other recommendations you received
during your ESA Open Water Diver course and
subsequent ones apply to dives with Nitrox as
well; of course, your equipment must include
BCD, manometer, emergency regulator and
instruments needed to measure depth and time.

Cylinders
As you know, the cylinders must comply with
It’s funda- rules and regulations of a specific the country.
mental to You will remember that you can find the data
make the stamped close to the neck of the cylinder; this
cylindersNit data is related to the gas that can be contained in
rox reco- the cylinder, its capacity, the nominal pressure
gnizable and the hydrostatic one, as well as the date the
next hydrostatic test will have to be performed.
Cylinders for Nitrox have the same
data; the difference is that instead
of specifying “air” as the usable
gas, the stamped data shows “EAN”.
Sometimes you could find “air ”
cylinders charged with Nitrox. In
this case, the oxygen percentage
will be less than 40% and a specific
adhesive label must be attached to
the cylinder.

A recent European rule established

that the dome of the cylinder must
be painted with colours specific to
the gas contained. So air cylinders
have black and white segments,
oxygen cylinders are all white,
Nitrox cylinders are blue, helium
ones are brown. Other regulations
and procedures establish that
Nitrox cylinders must be clearly marked with a
horizontal yellow band with “Nitrox” or “Enriched
Air” or “EANx” printed in green (the two colours
can be exchanged between them).
Each cylinder must be equipped with card or stic-
ker with the following information: type of the
gas mix contained and when it was recharged,
results of the O2 analysis performed by the blen-
der and the name of the blender itself, the MOD
(maximum operative depth) based upon the maxi-
32
mum PO2 and the oxygen percentage measure by
the end user.
In some cases you can find Nitrox cylinders what
looks like those used for air; in this case, make
sure that at least the card or sticker with the
above data attached to it; remember: avoid dea-
ling with operators who don’t respect those pro-
cedures useful for prevention. Remember, that
Nitrox cylinders must clearly state the type of gas
contained and the type of gas they were manu-
factured for; this is important for the two follo-
wing main reasons: 1) risk of explosion due to the
high oxygen concentration 2) risk of suffering of
decompression sickness or because of high oxy-
2
gen concentration.
Flames and sparks, as well as traces of hydrocar-
Minitest
bons in the cylinder and lubricants used, can 1. The principal advantage
cause explosions because of the high oxygen con- given by the use of the
centration. Nitrox is:
Air recharge stations can push small quantity of a. the facility with which
hydrocarbons inside the cylinders. Furthermore can be retrieved
the valves for air cylinders don’t use materials b. the increase of the
suitable for oxygen (specifically seals and lubri- times of immersion within
cants) the limits of not decom-
Usually, reliable and professional recharge sta- pression
tions respect all the safety procedure. Therefore, c. a greater duration in
you don’t need to worry too much; concentrate the time of the equipment
on choosing the services offered by qualified and
professional personnel instead. One point must 2. Another very important
be duly taken into account and respected by advantage is:
Nitrox divers: the cylinders for compresses gasses a. the best lucidity of the
must be used for the type of gas they were pre- scuba diver during the
pared for, tested and certified. Recharging a cylin- immersion
der with a different gas is dangerous as it can b. the total disappearance
cause explosions; therefore, don’t charge a Nitrox of the problems of narcosis
cylinder with any other gas, and vice versa. c. a and b are exact
Recharging 3. Considering a consump-
Although an enormous number of people drive tion of 20 liters to the
their car everyday, very few of them know the minute in surface, how
procedures used by a refinery to produce the fuel much does a cylinder of 10
they use. In the same way, Nitrox divers don’t liters last (x 200 bar) to the
need to know the procedures used to obtain depth of 10 meters?:
Nitrox perfectly. Therefore, we will not provide a. around 100 minutes
too many details, but some basic information is b. around 50 minutes
useful to better understand Nitrox. Furthermore, c. around 35 minutes
should you choose to become a professional
diver, these notions will constitute some of the Answers:1 b; 2 a; 3 b.
fundaments of your knowledge.
As you may have already understood reading the
33
 preceding paragraphs, there are to main procedu-
res for obtaining Nitrox: 1) adding oxygen to the
air 2) removing nitrogen from the air.
Let’s review them together bearing in mind that
they can only be performed by specifically trained
and qualified blenders.

Partial pressure recharge

This procedure is quite dangerous because is
based upon pure oxygen being pumped in a cylin-
der already containing air or that will be added
Cylinder of after the oxygen. It seems easy to use but must be
oxygen carried out by highly professional blenders with
used in the oil free equipment to avoid explosions. Specific
recharge tables tell the blenders the quantity of oxygen to
Nitrox for be added to air or other known mixes with oxygen
partial to obtain the chosen typo of Nitrox. Getting the
pressures desired mix with a good accuracy is quite difficult
with this procedure.

Continuous flow mix

A specific equipment add oxygen, in
a controlled way, to the air that
before it flows through the com-
pressor; this way the blender can
analyse the mix and change the oxy-
gen flow rate until the oxygen per-
centage is the needed one. This
procedure avoids the pure oxygen
from flowing through compressor,
valves and cylinders, reducing con-
siderably the changes to have
explosions.
Anyhow, using oxygen compatible
equipment are strongly recommen-
ded and usually requested by law.

Nitrogen removal from air

This procedure was conceived considering the
method used by the agriculture industry to pro-
duce nitrogen (needed for fertilizers), thanks to
filters capable of letting the nitrogen flow and
blocking the oxygen. Changing the setting of
these filters it is possible to remove form the air
the proper quantity of nitrogen and obtain the
chosen Nitrox. This procedure avoids contacts
between pure oxygen and the equipment used.
Anyhow, considering the high concentration of
oxygen and the high pressure, using oil free mate-
rials and lubricants is preferable. Furthermore,
34
this procedure eliminates the needs of storing
pure oxygen. The disadvantage is that producing
different types of Nitrox is difficult; this system is
more productive when preparing one specific Minitest
type of Nitrox.
1. The use of oxygen in high
These are the main procedures used to produce concentrations (over 40%):
Nitrox. Remember that to apply them you must a. it asks for particular
become a trained and qualified blender. The ESA attentions for it’s ele-
Nitrox Diver course doesn’t enable you to do it; vated inflammability
this is done by specific qualifying agencies. b. it doesn't foresee
Furthermore, the recreational divers finds the
perfect equilibrium between safety and recrea-
tion respecting the rules and procuring Nitrox
from professional diving centres able to produce
some type of precaution
c. improve the dura-
tion of the equipment
2
the most diffused and standard mixes (EAN 32 2.With EAN 32 and
and EAN 36). EAN 36, the scuba diver
One very important feature of the oxygen used can use:
for Nitrox is that it is medical oxygen; it purer and a. only Nitrox-devoted
is specifically produced to be breathed. Oxygen equipment
for welding is forbidden. b. also the normal equip-
Usually, the diving centres that recharge Nitrox ment for the air, if otherwi-
ask the divers to show the Nitrox Diver licence, to se specified not from the
analyse the mix and to sign a register; it seems manufacturing house
there are too many procedures to respect, but c. only equipment compa-
they are all aimed at your safety and demonstra- tible oxygen
te the people you are dealing with are professio-
nals. Therefore, try to be collaborative and don’t 3. The cylinders for the air
trust those who underestimate these procedures. can contain Nitrox:
To avoid chances of contamination, the Nitrox a. provided that the oxygen
recharge stations (as well as those for air) should that comes into contact
be equipped with special filters and be regularly with the tank doesn't over-
maintained with extreme care and seriousness. come 40%
These are some of the features to be taken into b. only if the recharge hap-
account when evaluating professionalism and pens with particular
quality of a recharge station: systems and the cylinders
• request to show the licence are identifiable however
• order and cleanness of the recharge area c. a and b are exact
• type of oxygen used
• well identified cylinders
• usage of the card or sticker with the informa- Answers:1 a; 2 b; 3 c.
tion about the cylinder
• filling in and signing the register
• request to analyse the O2
Ask for information about the recharge stations
of your town to your ESA Instructor or to an ESA
Point (www.esaweb.net).

Oxygen
Everybody knows how oxygen is important for
35
 livings. Not everybody knows it can become dan-
gerous. You have already learned during the ESA
Open Water Diver course that too low (hypoxia)
and too high (hyperoxia) oxygen partial pressures
Through the can cause serious conditions that can put life in
transparent danger.
plastic hose The oxygen partial pressure can become too low
a flow arri- during a long free dive or while ascending from a
ves assem- free dive after a too long hyperventilation,
bled of O2 making the diver faint.
that is mixed These are all problems treated during the pre-
with the air vious courses; hypoxia can also be caused by a
inhaled by too low quantity of oxygen in the gas mix and can
the presser be prevented analysing it before diving.
Considering the high oxygen partial
pressure in Nitrox mixes, we take a
closer look at the problems caused
by hyperoxia, specifically oxygen
intoxication to whole body and
lungs, and intoxication to the central
nervous system (CNS).

Intoxication to whole body and lungs

Recreational divers can hardly suffer
of this problem. Indeed, it is a pro-
blem that may affect those divers
subject to long exposure to oxygen
partial pressure greater than 0,5
BAR. Usually, depth and no decom-
pression limits, as well as those rela-
ted to air consumption and cold
(heat exchange with water) avoid
the recreational divers from being
exposed to oxygen long enough to
feel the symptoms. Such kind of pro-
blems, instead, can be suffered by
those divers who work under water
considerably long, even in shallow
water. These problems must be
taken into account by technical
divers as well: the usage of high oxy-
gen concentration mixes during
decompression stops reduces signifi-
cantly the duration but increases the exposition
to oxygen which must be carefully monitored.
Medical oxygen used for therapeutic purposes
can cause intoxication as well.
There are two measures for exposure to oxygen:
the Oxygen Toxicity Unit (OTU) and the Unit
Pulmonary Toxicity Dose (UPTD). Specific tables
36
let you calculate these measures for given PO2
and dive duration; they are then used to calcula-
te the exposure percentage which must not go
beyond the limits established in special tables to
avoid risks.
According to the outcomes of the workshop on
Nitrox cited at Chapter 1, the divers that respect
the limits recreational dives don’t need to measu-
re the exposure for the whole body. They need to
take into consideration the central nervous
systems (CNS) exposure to oxygen instead.

Oxygen intoxication to the central nervous

systems (CNS)
Oxygen intoxication to the CNS is caused by high
2
oxygen partial pressure and/or a long exposure. Particular
Long exposures can be dangerous starting from a filters can
PO2 of 1,3 BAR. Therefore, respecting the limits improve
established by the NOAA is really important: PO2 notably
1.5 BAR, duration of a single dive 120 minutes, the purity of
overall duration of repetitive dives 180 minutes the air
every rolling 24 hours, 3 maximum dives with during the
Nitrox in one day. recharge
Susceptibility to oxygen intoxication
changes from diver to diver and from
time to time. One important point is
that the symptoms may reduce while
diver is ascending, but they can start
without any premonitory and proper
signs; therefore, the diver is taken
by surprise and, should he be victim
of convulsions, he risks to drown.
Many serious accidents happened
diving really deep with air were ori-
ginated by oxygen intoxication to the
CNS: this is another good reason to
respect the limits!

“CNS Oxygen Clock”

This is a procedure used to monitor
the CNS exposure to oxygen; it was
established by the NOAA.
The CNS exposure to oxygen can
determined thanks to the limits established in the
NOAA table “oxygen exposure limits per dive”
either using the maximum PO2 or analytically
using other tables that provides a percentage of
exposure as a function of the time spent for each
PO2 during the dive (CNS%).
Safety is improved thanks to the indication provi-
37
 ded by the NOAA for the maximum PO2; the
analytical procedures are more useful for techni-
cal divers that breathe different oxygen concen-
trations for pre-assigned periods. The most
recent computers used for dives with Nitrox cal-
culate the oxygen exposure percentage based
upon the various depths at which the divers
remain during the dives and display it to the
divers (usually with the “%CNS” symbol). You can
Minitest decide to trust your computer of course, but you
have to read carefully the instructions and,
1. The recharge for partial should you reach 50% CNS exposure during 24
pressures is particularly hours rolling wait at 1 hour at least before diving
delicate because: again. Never exceed 90% CNS exposure during 24
a. the operator interacts hours rolling. Should it happen, don’t dive for 12
with pure oxygen at high hours at least.
pressure Signs and symptoms: low heart beats, palpita-
b. the pure oxygen passes tions, depression, anxiousness, false visual
through the compressor effects (darkness, flashes, tunnel effect), hearing
and the tank valve the bells or other auditory hallucinations, verti-
c. a and b are exact gos, irregular breathing, nausea, tremors and
contraction of lips, cheeks, nose, eyelids, blac-
2. The components of the kout and convulsions (with serious risk of drow-
recharge station that uses ning).
pure oxygen necessarily
have to be: Should you feel any of these symptoms, ascend
a. new without waiting, exit from the water and don’t
b. "oil free" dive for 24 hours, as a minimum.
c. painted to yellow and
green strips Concurrent elements
Other elements can cause oxygen intoxication to
3. To produce the Nitrox: CNS symptoms, such as medicines, tiredness, car-
a. it can be used any type of bon dioxide accumulation in the organism.
Medicines
oxygen The same considerations for dives with air apply
b. it is had to use medical to dives with Nitrox: avoid taking congestion
oxygen relief medicines before diving; should you be
c. it is not had to use medi- taking medicines, ask the doctor to get informa-
claoxygen tion. As you know, alcohol and drugs must be
avoided before diving as well.
Carbon dioxide
Answers:1 c; 2 b; 3 b As demonstrated by some analysis, there is a
close connection between carbon dioxide concen-
tration in the organism and oxygen intoxication.
For this reason, remember to respect the rules
you have learned during the ESA Open Water
Diver Course: breathe slowly, deeply and conti-
nuously. Avoid holding your breath to save air;
the most probable result would be a higher air
consumption and carbon dioxide accumulation.
38
The latter exposes you to fatigue, decompression
sickness, nitrogen narcosis and oxygen intoxica-
tion.
Considering the limits for recreational dives using
EAN32 and EAN36, monitoring carbon dioxide is
not needed. Anyhow, as accumulating carbon dio-
xide is subjective, should you usually have heada-
che after diving, get in touch with a doctor aware
of scuba diving related issues, reduce the exposi-
tion to oxygen limiting the maximum PO2 to 1,4
BAR and avoid holding your breath while diving.

Decompression sickness, arterial gaseous embo-

lism and narcosis
As far as decompression sickness is concerned, all
2
that you have already learned during the ESA
Open Diver Course and subsequent still applies: The full face
breathing Nitrox reduces nitrogen absorption as mask can pre-
well as the decompression sickness risk; anyhow, vent the flood
a reduced risk still exists. of the aerial
To prevent the decompression sickness you need streets in case
to plan your dives carefully, to respect the no of convulsions
decompression limits, check the manometer fre-
quently, analyse the
Nitrox mix to check the
oxygen percentage
before each dive, set
the computer properly
and respect all that you
have learned.
As you know, should a
diver have signs and
symptoms specific to
decompression sick-
ness, look for a doctor,
check if he breaths and
that his heart beats and
make him breathe pure
oxygen, if available,
until the medical staff
is available. The
decompression sickness
can be treated only in
hyperbaric chambers by qualified personnel.
As far as volume variations with depth and pres-
sure are concerned, Nitrox and air behave the
same way: it decreases when going deep and
increases ascending.
The arterial gaseous embolism is due to lungs
overstretching; to avoid it remember to apply the
39
 most important rule you learned during your first
course: don’t hold your breath when scuba
diving. The procedures in case of decompression
sickness apply to arterial gaseous embolism as
well.
Nitrogen narcosis risk is reduced when diving
with Nitrox but oxygen has narcotic effects too.
Therefore, should you feel a bit exuberant,
remember it can be narcosis. Indeed, check your
and your mate lucidity often. In case of any unu-
sual behave, ascend a bit and signs and symptoms
will disappear.

Managing emergencies
Having accident while diving is really
difficult if your respect all the proce-
dures and rules conscientiously; this
Remember! applies also to Nitrox diving. Should
an accident happen, this shall be

•
managed as established in the ESA
First Aid, Open Water Diver,
max PO2 1,5; Advanced Diver and Prevention &

•
Rescue Diver manuals.
Anyhow, should you see a diver faint
maximum time while diving, and should divers more
qualified than you be not around, try
for single dive is 120 to help him without risking your
safety. Ascend with him, try to hold
minutes the regulator in his mouth but,

•
should he lose it, don’t waste time
trying putting it back. Ascend
180 minutes in the respecting the maximum speed limit
without hesitation. Once at the sea
24 hours, if You are level, trim him positively, open his
airways and, if needed, try to resu-
making multiple dives; scitate him; look for help without
stopping checking that he breaths
and that his heart beats, and if
necessary, without stopping the
resuscitation.
Should a diver have problems after having ascen-
ded, look for medical help and, should he faint,
apply the above. Once again, it is statistically
demonstrated that the chances for a diver that
applies conscientiously all the rules he learned
during the courses and that respect all the
instruction provided by the equipment manufac-
turer to have problems are very low.
Anyhow, considering that people are not all the
same, neither learning methods nor tables can
40
guarantee that problems are warded off.
Furthermore, you could see an accident happe-
ning by chance and being helpful is important.
Therefore, continuing your training (you may
have already done it) attending the ESA First Aid
is important; this course can be attended by any-
body. This course trains you to help people who
don’t feel well or victims of accidents. The ESA
Prevention & Rescue Diver is a more complete
course and is specific to scuba diving; the prere-
quisites for this course are: having the ESA
Advanced Diver (or similar) licence, have at least
20 dives registered in your log book. Learning
techniques to held divers, specially providing oxy-
gen in case of decompression diseases and to
2
those people who have risked to drown, is of
paramount importance.

Breathes slowly,
deeply and
continually,
avoids with
care to
effect
micro-suspensions of
the respiraton.!

41
Minitest
1. The due greatest danger
to the elevated concentra-
tion of the oxygen breathed
during dive is:
a. the nitrogen narcosis
b. the poisoning from oxy- Congratulations!
gen to pulmonary level
c. the poisoning from oxy- Now you can plan your Nitrox dives and, during
gen to the CNS your next trip, you will be able to enjoy the
advantages offered by Nitrox. You may choose to
2. To prevent hiperoxya: dive with Nitrox to feel less tired or to have time
a. respect the limits of oxy- enough to explore specific sites that, due to their
gen’s exposure features, could need longer no decompression
b. to respect the limits of limits than those for air.
depth and PO2 Ask the technician to apply all products and pro-
c. a and b are exact cedure needed to make your equipment oxygen
compatible and remember that, with the appli-
3. The "CNS Oxygen Clock" cation of such products and procedure, your
it is: equipment can stand 40% of oxygen maximum.
a. a particular analogical Now you can provide general information about
tool for the Nitrox dives. Nitrox and how it is produced; you are able to
b. a system of monitoring choose a professional recharge station too.
the exposure to the oxygen Maybe you got a bit worried reading the para-
of the CNS graphs about effects of oxygen, decompression
c. the clock used by the sickness and narcosis; anyhow, you will have
scuba divers professionals understood that respecting the limits established
for recreational dives helps you in avoiding
4. The acronym CONVUTIV them. Furthermore, being able to recognise signs
is used to remember: and symptoms help you in preventing them.
a. a particular procedure of Having problems is quite difficult for conscious
equipment’s control divers anyhow, improving your training and kno-
b. the symptoms of the oxygen wledge attending first aid and rescue courses,
poisoning of the CNS will make you feel comfortable and aware; the
c. the formulas to plan the last paragraph provided you suggestions on the
Nitrox dives ESA courses that can improve your preparation.
The Instructor will give you the ESA Nitrox Diver
Answers:1 c; 2 c; 3 b; 4 b. licence if you have attended the course, filled in
and corrected the “What have you learned?”
questionnaires and successfully completed the
dives with Nitrox. Remember that you don’t need
to wait for the sticker to apply to your licence to
ask the diving centres to dive with Nitrox. For
any questions you may have, don’t hesitate to
contact ESA; you can find the email addresses on
the web site www.esaweb.net

42
What have
you learned?
This exercise will let your review all the most
important information contained in this unit, so
that you can improve your preparation and be
ready for your next appointment with your
instructor. Answer the questions choosing the
right questions among the listed ones. Check your
answers with your Instructors; in case of any inac- Minitest
curacy, he will provide all the needed explana-
tions. 1. Nitrox breathing:
a. removes the possibility
1. If compared with air, Nitrox: to have the MDD
a. extends the no decompression limits b. the MDD can equally be
b. doubles the no decompression limits revealed
c. enables you to ignore the no decompression c. you cannot verify an
limits over lung pressure
2. Diving with Nitrox and respecting the no 2. The treatment for MDD
decompression limits applicable for diving with and EGA also foresees:
air (21% O2 / 79% N2): a the administration of
a. you avoid the decompression sickness pure oxygen
b. you absorb less nitrogen b. a physician's interven-
c. nitrogen narcosis is more likely to happen tion
c. a and b are exact
3. How long can a 15-litre cylinder charged at 20
BAR provide air at a depth of 25 metres if you 3. A datum volume of
breathe at a rate of 20 litres per minute at the sea Nitrox, in a flexible contai-
level? ner, during ascending it:
a. 57 minutes to. it is unchanged
b. 70 minutes b. it increases
c. 53 minutes c. it decreases
4. The cylinders for Nitrox must be properly mar-
ked:
a. to avoid wasting time Answers: 1 b; 2 c; 3 b;
b. to prevent accidents
c. so that the end users don’t need to analyse it

5. Nitrox is produced:
a. removing nitrogen from the air
b. adding oxygen to the air
c. both a and b

6. Combustions caused by a high concentration of

oxygen depend on
43
 a. type of oxygen
b. hydrocarbons and lubricants not compatible
with oxygen
c. flames

7. Oxygen intoxication to the whole body:

a. is rare if the recreational divers respect the
exposure limits
b. is mainly due to breathing oxygen high concen-
Minitest tration for long
c. both a and b

1. You can learn the techni- 8. According to the NOAA tables (PO2 1,5 maxi-
ques for managing an emer- mum) the exposure to oxygen limits over 24 hours
gency during the course: rolling are:
a. ESA Prevention & Rescue a. 120’ for a single dive o 180’ for repetitive dives
Diver b. 180’ for a single dive o 120’ for repetitive dives
b. ESA Advanced Diver c. 100’ for a single dive o 120’ for repetitive dives
c. ESA Ecodiver
9. If you use a computer for Nitrox dives:
2. The term PDD means: a. read the instruction carefully
a. Pathologies from Decom- b. don’t exceed 90% (CNS%) exposure to O2 over
pressure 24 hours rolling
b. Personal Diving Device c. both a and b
c. Pathologies from Descent
10. Oxygen intoxication to CNS can be caused by:
3. In case of emergency, it a. the position of the diver during the dive
is important: b. a regulator that provides Nitrox too easily
a. to get as soon as possi- c. an excessive CO2 accumulation
ble help physician
b. to establish the causes of 11. In case of decompression sickness after a
the accident Nitrox dive, look for medical help, check brea-
c. to guess exactly the thing and heart beat and:
name of the pathology a. provide pure oxygen
b. don’t provide pure oxygen
c. both a and b
Answers:1 a; 2 a; 3 a;.
12. Among the symptoms of oxygen intoxication
to CNS you can find:
a. visual and auditory alterations, tremors of lips
b. pain, itchiness, tiredness
c. high temperature, paleness, swelling

13. Hyperoxia susceptibility

a. changes from person to person
b. for the same person depends on the specific
moment
c. both a and b

14. Convulsions are dangerous while diving as the

44
victim:
a. can hurt because of blunt instruments
b. cannot be trimmed
c. can drown

15. To avoid oxygen intoxication to the CNS:

a. apply all rules for recreational dives in a strict
way
b. respect depth and exposure to oxygen limits
c. both a and b

I declare that I have reviewed all the

wrong answers with the ESA Instructor,
and that I have understood the related
2
explanation.

Signature ___________________date_________

Device to
check the
flow of
Nitrox on the
sensor of the
analyser

45
46
Open Waters 1 and 2
Briefing
Listen to the explanation from the Instructor and
don’t hesitate to ask questions in case you need
clarifications.
Open Waters briefings are specifically important
as ascending to clarify something is not conve-
nient for many reasons; listening to the briefing
and have enough time to dive and practice the
exercises and repeating them is much more profi-
table. The Instructor will explain all you have to
do – how and when – therefore putting on hold
any other activity during the briefing and concen-
2
trating on it only is of paramount importance.
Again, should you need any clarifications, don’t
hesitate to ask questions: either the Instructor or
the Diveleader will help you.

Nitrox analysis
You will analyse the chosen mix together with
your mate and under the supervision of your
Instructor; this is needed to verify that the oxy-
gen percentage indicated by the blender and is
correct and compatible with the dive you have
planned.
Remember that any time you use a gas mixes
other than air (oxygen percentage 21%), you will
have to analyse the mix using a suitable instru-
ment connected to a flow-meter. Do it with your
mate: each one will analyse the content of his
cylinder under the supervision of both the other
mate and of the Instructor.

Planning the Nitrox dive

Use the ESA table for diving with Nitrox with your
mate, as indicated by the Instructor. To take the
most of the profits by diving with Nitrox having
regards of safety, planning every dive carefully is
of fundamental importance. Take the advantage
of this exercise to improve your skill and solve
any problems with your Instructor and your mate.
Should anything appear not too clear or in case of
doubts, don’t hesitate to ask the Instructor to cla-
rify it: this is important for your safety. Should
you use a computer for Nitrox dives, verify that
the oxygen percentage is correctly set.

CNS Oxygen Clock

47
 Verify that you don’t risk exceeding or getting too
close to the established oxygen exposure limit,
taking into account previous dives.
Oxygen intoxication to the CNS is an important
factor to be considered when diving with Nitrox:
don’t exceed the exposure limit of 120 minutes
over 24 hours rolling for a single dive and 180
minutes for repetitive dives.

Getting ready, checking the equipment and put-

ting it on
Prepare the equipment needed for the dive, ask
your mate to help you putting it on; when you
and your mate are both ready, check each other
equipment.
As you usually do, you can assemble BCD and
regulators on the cylinder and then verify that it
is charged.
The best way to put the equipment on may
depend on the specific dive: should you be on a
boat you may decide to do it in the water (the
instructor will provide the needed information).
As you know, checking the equipment before
diving is the best way to avoid equipment related
problems, so do it carefully. Should you discover
any problem, inform the Instructor or the Staff or
your mate. Check that the oxygen percentage is
properly set in the computer.
N.B.: should the weather conditions and your
experience be enough, at the discretion of the
Instructor, you could check the equipment after
you have jumped into the water.

Getting into the water

The Instructor and the Staff will provide you the
information for the best way of getting into the
water based upon the boat and the dive site. Be
sure you are positively trimmed and wait, toge-
ther with your mate, indications from the Staff on
when starting to dive and on the exercises to be
carried out at the sea level.

Checking the correct quantity of ballast

This is an important check and must be done
before starting to dive. Checking the correct
quantity of ballast is important to be trimmed as
needed; being perfectly trimmed is important
while diving in to be more relaxed and to avid
problems to the environment. Furthermore, you
will be able to respect the established depth
48
limit. Get used to making this check to prevent
problems due to an incorrect quantity of ballast.

Descent
Use a rope or the seabed as a reference point and
don’t exceed the depth planned by the Instructor.
This phase is really important, remember the
MOD! Specifically, remember to descend together
with your mate, slowly, and checking either the
computer or the depth gauge. All information
about the best way to descend will be provided by
the Instructor during the briefing.

Diving respecting both plan and safety parame-

ters.
Check depth, time and manometer frequently and
exchange the information with the mate. Dive
one meter shallower than planned.
You must take extreme care of depth when diving
with oxygen enriched mixes in order to avoid oxy-
gen toxicity related problems. As you can dive
longer, remember to check the time and the
manometer. You should exchange information
3
about the pressure in the cylinder with your mate
every 20/30 bars.

Exercised for other ESA courses

Should you attend the ESA Nitrox Diver course in
conjunction with other ESA courses, practice the
exercises for such other courses as explained by
the Instructor during the briefing. This doesn’t
apply in case the ESA Nitrox Diver course is atten-
ded as a stand alone course.

Repetitions and experience

Repeat the exercises under the supervision of the
Staff. This will make you more familiar with the
underwater environment. Should and exercise not
be clear or you want to do it again, don’t hesitate
asking the Staff.

Ascent and safety stop

Ascend slowly (not faster than 10 metres per
minute) using a fixed point of reference and stop
at 5 metres for 3 minutes. Ascending slowly and
complete the safety stop is important for all kind
of dives, included those with Nitrox. This enables
you to improve safety and diving techniques. The
Instructor will provide the needed information.
49
 Getting out of the water
Do it using the technique suggested by the
Instructor.

Disassembling the equipment and taking care of

it
It is important and needed to keep your equip-
ment, including the instruments needed for
orienteering, efficient. Whenever possible, rinse
it with fresh water even before disassembling it,
then put it into your sack to wash it when sugge-
sted by the Staff.

Debriefing
Listen to the comments the Instructor will have.
This is another way of improving. Don’t do any-
thing else but listen to the Instructor during the
briefing. He will have useful comments on you
performance, suggestions and recommendations.
Take the opportunity to improve further and
don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Registering your dive

Fill in your logbook and ask your Instructor to sign
it. This is needed to confirm your open water trai-
ning. Register all parameters (such as the CNS
oxygen clock), the environmental conditions and
the exercises, plus your personal comments.
Remember to ask the Instructor to sign.

50
9 rules for diving
with Nitrox
1. Use proper and efficient equipment; make sure
it is regularly maintained

2. Analyse the oxygen personally

3. Make sure the oxygen analyser works properly;

respect the instruction provided by the manufac-
turer and make several trials with air, pure oxy-
gen (if available) and then the Nitrox mix.

4. Respect the Maximum Operative Depth: don’t

exceed 31 metres with EAN 36 and 36 metres with
EAN 32

5. Set correctly the oxygen percentage in the com-

puter or choose the right column in the table ESA
“EAN 36 – EAN 32 – AIR DIVE TABLES”: the wrong
oxygen percentage can cause decompression sick-
3
ness or iperoxia

6. Make sure the computer is properly set before

each dive: get used to check both and your mate
instrument before diving

7. Respect the limit of 120 minutes for a single

dive and 180 minutes for repetitive dives over 24
hours rolling. Don’t dive more than 3 times a day
with Nitrox: this simple rule helps you in preven-
ting helps you in preventing oxygen intoxications.
Should you get close to the limits, don’t dive for
12 hours at least.

8. Breath continuously without holding your

breath and prevent breathlessness: carbon dioxi-
de accumulation can cause hypoxia. So avoid hol-
ding your breath while diving, try not to get
weary and use a good performance regulator

9. Respect your license and local rules depth limit:

the ESA Nitrox Diver license doesn’t enable you to
dive deeper. You must comply with the limitations
of your preceding license (i.e. ESA OWD = 18
metres).
Remember to consider the limitations cause by
PO2. The CNS% value per minute must be multi-
plied by the minutes spent at a certain depth. 51
 Appendix
ESA
ESA is a didactic agency and his/her principal
objective it is that to form the scuba divers from
the initial level up to the attainment of the pro-
fessional levels as Diveleader and Instructor. To
do this the ESA is established to jointly apply the
most evolved operational standards to an eleva-
ted safety degree and to promote the underwa-
ter activity in his/her various forms.
The formative runs of the ESA foresee the infor-
mation integration divulged by the instructor
with the materials of support that accompany
the various levels of brevet.
Initial practical formation happens with the
development of the underwater abilities in swim-
ming pool or delimited basin, subsequently you
apply and you improve in free waters.
For every program or raced ESA it is anticipated
a verification of the learning from the instructor
that will have to preserve a test of the happened
evaluation.
The scuba divers can receive from the ESA the
initial formation, to progress toward taller levels
of brevet, to specialize himself/herself/themsel-
ves in different areas tied to the underwater
activity as the sea biology, the photo, the under-
water archaeology, etc.
Reached adjust her credential, the scuba divers
can participate in the programs for the forma-
tion type professional within the underwater
activity.
The esa establishes elevated standards for the
formation of his/her own affiliate: they is under-
water professionals in possession of a brevet ESA
Diveleader or of taller degree.
The preliminary ESAs are formed from the ESAs
IC Director, prepared and qualified people ade-
quately to transmit the techniques of teaching to
the preliminary future.
The formation of the instructor is complete and
foresees the acquisition of information on the
theory of the immersion, on the procedures ESA,
notions of psychology and marketing, the deve-
lopment of the abilities of management of the
single scuba divers or in group, of management
of the problems, of safeguard of the environment
52
and other.
The validations of the brevets ESAs are issued
from the central center and from the offices ESA
officially authorized.
The department ESA that deals him with the for-
mation informs the affiliate ESAs on the varia-
tions of the existing procedures and on the intro-
duction of new procedures.
You/they can also join to the ESA qualified struc-
tures that operate in the field of the recreational
underwater activity.
Immersion centers, underwater club and you
negotiate su bacquei they are able, in fact, to
acquire the qualification of ESA Point. The deno-
minated structures ESA IC Point can promote, to
organize and to conduct the courses of formation
for the Preliminary ESAs.
The esa intends to also characterize him through
a particular facing appointment the populariza-
tion of the knowledges on the environment, to
improve the quality of the immersions and to
create in the su bacqueis a greater awareness
toward the submerged space. The professionals
ESAs, in fact, effect their formative run also
receiving a solid preparation on the knowledges
related to the environment. the whole formative
activity of the ESA is firmly connected to objecti-
ve of safeguard of the aquatic environments.

53
 9 Suggestions to preserve the
aquatic environment
If you follow these simple rules you will give a great con-
tribution to the preservation of the aquatic environ-
ment.

1) Control your buoyancy at all times. If you are neu-

trally buoyant you will avoid damages to the sea floor
and its inhabitants. If you don’t wear gloves you will be
less inclined to touch and feel about the sea floor, cau-
sing possible damages.

2) When you approach the bottom don’t flap your

hands and fins around. If you have to rest on the bot-
tom, make sure your knees and fins don’t cause any
damage.

3) Avoid tunnels and caverns, by touching their ceiling

you could damage the life living on them, besides you
bubbles could not escape and turn the top of a cave into
a submerged desert.

4) Don’t hold on to sea turtles, large fishes and sea

mammals, just swim with them but don’t chase the ani-
mals, they might not enjoy it as much as you.

5) Try not to touch animals you don’t know. You might

get hurt or remove their protective mucus making them
more vulnerable.

6) Do not remove anything from the bottom, shells (nei-

ther dead, nor alive), algae covered objects or archaeo-
logical finds.

7) Do not buy souvenirs made with shells or other mate-

rials coming from the sea. It a way to discourage their
collection or fishing.

8) Do not litter the sea. Use the rubbish bins.

9) Carry on your training and extend your knowledge of

the marine environment, you will discover that every
location deserves a dive and that every environment
has amazing discoveries to unveil.

All the inhabitants and the visitors of the underwater

spaces thank you in advance for your effort
54
Not to be left at home
Miscellaneous Accessories
ID’s Dive slate
Dive Licence Animal guide
Log book Pencil
Reservations/tickets Dive buoy
Emergency contacts Surface signalling device
Swim suit Reel
Sun screen Main torch
Sun glasses Spare torch
Hat Strobe light
Wind breaker Position indicator light
Towel Snap-hook
Bath robe Anti fog spray/liquid
Sandals Equipment lanyard
Goggles and bathing cap
Spare clothing Spare gear
Food and drinks O-ring
Medicines Cylinders
Weights
Equipment Straps
Bag Tool kit
Fins, mask and snorkel Wet suit repair kit
Wet suit
Thermals Special equipment
Hood Underwater camera
Gloves Lens and zooms
Booties Flash
Weights Films
BCD Video camera
Full cylinder Housing
Main regulator Tapes
Spare regulator Video lights
Pressure gauge Batteries
BCD pipe Battery charger
Dry suit pipe Wiring and connector
Knife
Notes
Instruments ______________________
Dive computer ______________________
Depth gauge ______________________
Timer ______________________
Compass ______________________
Thermometer ______________________
Dive tables ______________________

55
 PO2 Table and O2 exposition limits
for Dives with NITROX as per NOAA rules
(National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration)
Single Multiple
EAN 36 EAN 32 PO2 CNS % exposure exposure
1 dive more dives
meter meter ATA for minute
within 24 hours within 24 hours

34 40 1,6 2,22 45 150

31 36 1,5 0,83 120 180
28 33 1,4 0,65 150 180
26 30 1,3 0,56 180 210
23 27 1,2 0,47 210 240
20 24 1,1 0,42 240 270
17 21 1,0 0,33 300 300
15 18 0,9 0,28 360 360
12 15 0,8 0,22 450 450

Conversion table from meters to foot

(1 meter = 3,28 foot)

METER 12 15 17 18 20 21 23 24 26 27 28 30 31 33 34 36 40

FOOT 39 49 56 59 66 67 75 79 85 88 92 98 102 108 112 118 131

TABLE CONVERSION MEASURES OF PRESSURE

1 PSI (pound x square inch) = 0,073 kg x cm2
1 kg x cm2 = 14,223 PSI
1 atm = 1,033 kg x cm2
1 atm = 14,696 PSI

56
Pg = Partial pressure of a gas
to a certain depth
* Fg = Fraction of the gas or partial pressure of the gas in surface
in meter [(depth + 10) : 10] x Fg = Pg
in foot [(depth + 33) : 33] x Fg = Pg

EAD = equivalent depth in air

in meter [(FN2 X depth + 10) : 0,79] - 10 = EAD
in foot [(FN2 X depth + 33) : 0,79] - 33 = EAD

MOD = Maximum operational depth

with limit PO2 to 1,5
in meter [(1,5 x 10) : FO2] - 10 = MOD
in foot [(1,5 x 33) : FO2] - 33 = MOD

Here are the formulas!

They are more' simple
than it seems.
Test to apply its...

57
 EAN 36 - EAN 32 - AIR DIVE TABLES EANx
No- Decompression and O2 Exposure Limits - Repetitive Group Designation
Tables for No-Decompression Dives TABLE 1

Profondità Profondità Profondità Gruppo di Appartenenza / Pressure Group

Depth Depth Depth
EAN 36 EAN 32 AIR
m m m A B C D E F G H I J K

7,5 6,5 4,5 35 70 110 120*

9 8 6 25 50 75 110 120*
11 10 7,5 20 35 55 75 100 120*
13 12 9 15 30 45 60 75 95 120*
15 13,5 10,5 5 15 25 40 50 60 80 100 120*
17 15 12 5 15 25 30 40 50 70 80 100 110 120*
20 18 15 10 15 25 30 40 50 60 70
24 22 18 10 15 20 25 30 40 50
28 26 21 5 10 15 20 30 35 40
31 29 24 5 10 15 20 25 30
32 27 5 10 12 15 20 25
36 30 5 7 10 15 20

* Single dive maximum time

33 5 10 13 15
with EAN x: 120 minutes 36 5 10
* Tempo massimo per
immersione singola 39 5
con EAN x:120 minuti
A B C D E F G H I J K

EAN ___ EAN ___

58
 0:10 Ripetitive Group at
the Beginning of
A
EANx 0:00
the Surface Interval
3:21 0:10 B
TABLE 2 12:00 3:20 Gruppo di
4:50 1:40 0:10 Appartenenza
all’inizio dell’inter- C
12:00 4:49 1:39
vallo di superficie
5:49 2:39 1:10 0:10 D
12:00 5:48 2:38 1:09
6:35 3:25 1:58 0:55 0:10 E
12:00 6:34 3:24 1:57 0:54
7:06 3:58 2:29 1:30 0:46 0:10 F
12:00 7:05 3:57 2:28 1:29 0:45
7:36 4:26 2:59 2:00 1:16 0:41 0:10 G
12:00 7:35 4:25 2:58 1:59 1:15 0:40
8:00 4:50 3:21 2:24 1:42 1:07 0:37 0:10 H
12:00 7:59 4:49 3:20 2:23 1:41 1:06 0:36
8:22 5:13 3:44 2:45 2:03 1:30 1:00 0:34 0:10 I
12:00 8:21 5:12 3:43 2:44 2:02 1:29 0:59 0:33
8:51 5:41 4:03 3:05 2:21 1:48 1:20 0:55 0:32 0:10 J
12:00 8:50 5:40 4:02 3:04 2:20 1:47 1:19 0:54 0:31
8:59 5:49 4:20 3:22 2:39 2:04 1:36 1:12 0:50 0:29 K
12:00 8:58 5:48 4:19 3:21 2:38 2:03 1:35 1:11 0:49
New Group Designation
A B C D E F G H I J
EAN 36 EAN 32 AIR
39 88 159 279
6 5 3
* * * *
18 39 62 88 120 159 208 279 399
9 8 6
* * * * * * * * *
12 25 39 54 70 88 109 132 159 190
13 12 9
* * * * * * * * * *
7 17 25 37 49 61 73 87 101 116
17 15 12 120 113 105 93 81 69 57 43 29 14
6 13 21 29 38 47 56 66
20 18 15 64 57 49 41 32 23 14 4
5 11 17 24 30 36 44
24 22 18 45 39 33 26 20 14 6
4 9 15 20 26 31 37 EANx
28 26 21
36
4
31
8
25
13
20
18
14
23
9
28
3
TABLE 3
31 29 24
26 22 17 12 7 2
3 7 11 16 20 24
Profondità Immersioni Consecutive

32 27 Warning: These tables must

22 18 14 9 5 1 be used by certified divers or
3 7 10 14 18 under the direct control of a
36 30 certified scuba instructor
17 13 10 6 2
3 6 10 13
Ripetitive Dive Depth

33
12 9 5 2 39 Residual Nitrogen Time (Minutes)
3 6 9 39 Adjusted No-Decompression Time Limit
36
7 4 1
3 Tempo totale massimo per immersioni consecutive
*
39 nelle 24 h = 180 minuti
2 Maximum total time for ripetitive dives within 24
hours = 180 minutes

Product N° A0039

59
 O2 analysis

Switch on the tool and waits

for some minutes that the
sensor environments itself
and correctly measure the
percentage of ox

Note: all the connections

must be completely taghtin
up included the attacks to the
sensor and to the tool

Example of system for O2 analysis

Body of the sensor

Plastic T join
Terminal of the sensor

Flow regulator for DIN valve

1 2 1.
Connection
of the regu-
lator of
flow to the
DIN valve
2.
Graft of the
link to T on
the regula-
tor of flow
3.
Is impor-
tant to
screw well
the ferrule
of connec-
tion of the
3 4 sensor to
the cable of
the tool
4.
Insertion of
the sensor
in the spe-
cial lodging
in the link
TO T
5.
The proce-
dure must
be made
first on a
cylinder
with air,
5 6 setting I
orchestrate
him/it on 21
6.
The proce-
dure
repeats him
on the cylin-
der with the
Nitrox. The
reading
does effec-
ted when
the datum
stabilizes
him 61