Course details
Level
Specialty
Age
12+
Prerequisite
RAID Open Water 20
Maximum depth
40 metres
Order
Any time
“Longer dives, more safety!”
The RAID Nitrox Specialty course lets you extend your dive times and reduce the risk of decompression sickness by using an oxygen-enriched gas mix. Diving with nitrox lets you stay underwater longer while your body absorbs less nitrogen, speeding up your recovery after the dive.
Course aims
- Use oxygen-enriched gas mixes safely.
- Plan nitrox dives and carry out oxygen analysis.
- Protect yourself against oxygen toxicity.
Course content
- Nitrox mixes and use: Correct use of mixes containing between 22% and 40% oxygen; dive planning with a maximum planned PO2 of 1.4 bar and an emergency PO2 of 1.6 bar.
- Oxygen toxicity and prevention: Causes, symptoms and calculating the partial pressure of oxygen.
- Gas analysis and labelling: Safe analysis of the oxygen percentage, correct labelling of tanks and interpreting this information.
- Dive planning: Safe diving techniques when using nitrox and the precautions that must be taken.
- Nitrox log: Correctly keeping a log of your nitrox dives.
Practical training: The course generally focuses on theory; however, you may be advised to complete two open water dives under your instructor's guidance.
Course requirements
- Age: Minimum 12 years.
- Certification: Hold a RAID Open Water 20 certification or an equivalent.
Programme scope
- ISO 11107:2009 standards: Diving skills with mixes containing between 22% and 40% oxygen, and the safe use of oxygen-enriched gas mixes.
- Oxygen toxicity training: Effects on the central nervous system and symptoms of toxicity.
- Using a nitrox analyser: Accurately measuring the oxygen percentage and using the RAID Nitrox Virtual Analyzer app.
Certification
Divers who successfully complete the course can dive to a maximum depth of 40 metres (130 feet) using a nitrox gas mix suited to the planned PO2 (1.4 bar), and receive the internationally recognised RAID Nitrox Specialty Diver Certification.
