If you’re a scuba diving enthusiast, consider getting certified for enriched air nitrox (EAN) diving. With this type of training, you’ll be able to explore the ocean with increased levels of convenience and comfort. Below is a brief guide to EAN programs and how they can benefit your ocean exploration.

What Is EAN Training?

An enriched air nitrox training program teaches divers how to safely use a special gas mixture. It contains an oxygen concentration of up to 40%, which is significantly higher than the 21% found in typical air and has a more limited percentage of nitrogen. 

In these classes, you'll be taught maximum depths you can go while breathing NITROX, as well as bottom times and surface interval limits. You'll also be shown how to analyze and adjust the oxygen content in your nitrox enriched air cylinder.

How Does EAN Enrich the Scuba Diving Experience?

For starters, because nitrox divers absorb less nitrogen than divers using air, they have less nitrogen to off-gas, allowing for shorter surface intervals. Nitrox also enables divers to lengthen their no-decompression limits, increasing allowed bottom time. Finally, this gas combination can increase a diver’s overall safety level, as having less nitrogen in the body lowers the chances of getting decompression sickness.

How Can You Take a Course?

The best courses are divided into two parts. In the first, you’ll learn everything you need to know to be certified for diving with 32% nitrox. Then, if you wish, you can move on to certification for 40%, which can serve as an introduction to extended-range diving.

To find out how you can get certified for enriched air nitrox diving, get in touch with Phoenix Scuba in Maricopa County, AZ. For more than two decades, the experts at this dive center have provided both local and out-of-town divers with a wide range of instructional courses for all skill levels. Visit their website to learn more about their offerings, and call (602) 374-3206 to enroll in a class today.