DIR Explorers - View Single Post - BSAC introduces Nitrox Training on Ocean Diver and Sport Diver

Janos · January 14th, 2007, 07:09 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by iainmsmith)

If you're "qualified to dive Nitrox 32 and 36 to 20m max using air tables or an air computer" then why not just dive air?

I admit that I haven't read the course notes in detail, but I fail to see any real point in diving nitrox as if it were air within Ocean Diver limits. Given that these are single-tank, inexperienced divers, whose bottom times are likely to be limited by the gas they can carry (and the rate that they breath) rather than their NDL, then what's the benefit?

[Can we have an emoticon for "Takes Cover", please?]

Iain

[Insert suitable quote from GI3 about air here]

If I'm diving to 6m, then I might dive air. [1] 20m I'd choose Nitrox.

I agree that Nitrox is not necessary to have a safe dive to 20m. However I believe it's preferable.

Come Sports Diver and we start to see the real advantage though. So why introduce it in Sports Diver? Well it does no harm to introduce it in Ocean, and it fits in with the nice progressive (as in taking many small steps) attitude of BSAC teaching.

Janos

[1] - Although these days I always seem to use 18/52 for everything.

January 14th, 2007, 07:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
Janos(Offline) "Two Sheds" Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Surrey Posts: 402	Quote: (Originally Posted by iainmsmith) If you're "qualified to dive Nitrox 32 and 36 to 20m max using air tables or an air computer" then why not just dive air? I admit that I haven't read the course notes in detail, but I fail to see any real point in diving nitrox as if it were air within Ocean Diver limits. Given that these are single-tank, inexperienced divers, whose bottom times are likely to be limited by the gas they can carry (and the rate that they breath) rather than their NDL, then what's the benefit? [Can we have an emoticon for "Takes Cover", please?] Iain [Insert suitable quote from GI3 about air here] If I'm diving to 6m, then I might dive air. [1] 20m I'd choose Nitrox. I agree that Nitrox is not necessary to have a safe dive to 20m. However I believe it's preferable. Come Sports Diver and we start to see the real advantage though. So why introduce it in Sports Diver? Well it does no harm to introduce it in Ocean, and it fits in with the nice progressive (as in taking many small steps) attitude of BSAC teaching. Janos [1] - Although these days I always seem to use 18/52 for everything. __________________ You can lead a horse to water but you can't climb a ladder with a large bell in both hands - Vic Reeves DO of Hellfins