If you’ve ever been on a dive boat, you’ve probably noticed a few green and yellow tanks among the standard silver ones, that’s the unmistakable sign of a diver using Nitrox. 

Over the past few decades, enriched air underwater has become one of the most popular ways for recreational divers to enjoy longer and safer dives. 

But what exactly is it, how does it differ from regular air, and what do you need to know before making the switch? Let’s dive in.

What Is advanced Gas-Mix Diving ?

In simple terms, Nitrox (or Enriched Air Nitrox, often abbreviated as EANx) is a breathing gas that contains a higher percentage of oxygen and a lower percentage of nitrogen than regular air.

While normal air is made up of roughly 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen, Nitrox blends commonly used in recreational diving contain 32% or 36% oxygen. 

You’ll often see them labeled as Nitrox 32 or Nitrox 36.

By reducing the nitrogen content, Diving with Nitrox allows your body to absorb less nitrogen during a dive — and that’s where the magic happens.

Nitrox Diving vs Air: What’s the Difference?

The key difference between diving with Nitroxs air lies in nitrogen absorption. 

When you dive using regular air, nitrogen dissolves in your bloodstream and tissues under pressure. 

The longer or deeper you go, the more nitrogen builds up, which limits your bottom time.

With Nitrox, because there’s less nitrogen in your breathing mix, your body takes in less nitrogen overall. This means you can stay underwater longer before reaching your no-decompression limit.

For example, at 100 feet (30 meters):

• On air, your no-stop limit is around 20 minutes.
• On Nitrox 32, it increases to about 30 minutes.

In essence, Enriched Air experience  gives you more time underwater without increasing decompression risk as long as you stay within safe depth limits.

The Pros and Cons of Enriched Air practice 

Like any tool, Nitrox offers both advantages and limitations. Understanding the pros and cons of Diving with Nitrox helps you use it safely and effectively.

What are the benefits?

• Extended Bottom Time: The most obvious benefit: longer dives without mandatory decompression stops.
• Shorter Surface Intervals : Because you absorb less nitrogen, you can safely shorten the time between repetitive dives.
• More Conservative Dives: Even if you stick to the same limits as air divers, using Nitrox lowers your nitrogen load, reducing your theoretical risk of decompression sickness.
• Ideal for Multiple Dives per Day: Perfect for liveaboards or dive trips where you’re making several dives daily.

What are the risks associated with underwater with Enriched Air?

• Depth Limitations: The higher oxygen content increases the risk of oxygen toxicity at depth. Each Nitrox mix has a maximum operating depth (MOD) that must not be exceeded.
• Requires Special Training :You must be certified and know how to analyze your gas mix and set your dive computer correctly.
• Additional Cost: Nitrox fills and certification courses can be slightly more expensive than standard air.
• No Guarantee of Reduced Fatigue: Some divers claim Nitrox makes them feel less tired, but scientific studies show this is likely a placebo effect.

How to Get Certified: The PADI Enriched Air Course

Before you can dive with Nitrox, you’ll need to complete the PADI Enriched Air Diver course — the world’s most popular specialty certification.

This program teaches you:

• The theory behind Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx)
• How to analyze your gas mix
• How to set your dive computer for Nitrox
• How to plan dives safely within oxygen exposure limits

The course is a combination of PADI eLearning and hands-on practice with a certified PADI instructor. It typically takes just one day and doesn’t require any dives — though many dive centers offer the option to combine it with fun dives to practice your new skills.

Safety Tips for Nitrox Divers

To make the most of Enriched Air Underwater, follow these essential safety practices:

• Always Analyze Your Tank: Never assume what’s inside. Confirm the oxygen percentage yourself and record it on a fill log.
• Know Your MOD (Maximum Operating Depth) : Exceeding it can cause oxygen toxicity, which is extremely dangerous underwater.
• Set Your Dive Computer Correctly : Make sure it’s configured for your Nitrox blend to track exposure accurately.
• Use Properly Marked Cylinders : Nitrox tanks should have green and yellow labels with the oxygen percentage clearly written.
• Stay Within Recreational Limits : Even with Nitrox, diving deeper than 130 feet (40 meters) is not allowed in recreational diving.

Common Myths About Nitrox Diving

Let’s clear up a few misconceptions:

Nitrox lets you dive deeper.

False: Nitrox actually has shallower depth limits due to oxygen toxicity risks.

It reduces air consumption

Not true:  your breathing rate depends on carbon dioxide buildup, not oxygen content.

Nitrox prevents narcosis

Again, false: both nitrogen and oxygen contribute to narcosis at depth.

You’ll feel less tired

Many divers believe this, but studies show no measurable difference in fatigue.

Choosing the Right Nitrox Mix

Most dive shops offer pre-blended Nitrox 32 or 36, which cover most recreational dives. For specific dive profiles, advanced divers may request custom mixes — usually below the recreational limit of 40% oxygen.

For example:

• EAN32 at 70 ft (21 m) has an equivalent air depth of about 56 ft, increasing your no-stop time.
• EAN36 at 60 ft (18 m) extends your potential dive time even more.

Your PADI Enriched Air Diver course will teach you how to calculate your best mix for a given dive plan.

Is Diving with Nitrox Right for You?

If you enjoy longer dives, multiple dives per day, or simply want to reduce nitrogen exposure, Nitrox Diving is an excellent next step after your Open Water certification.

However, it’s not a substitute for good dive planning, air management, or proper training. 

As long as you dive within your limits and follow safety procedures, Nitrox can make your underwater adventures more enjoyable and efficient.

Diving with Nitrox at Piano Diving Club

At Piano Diving Club, we believe that every dive should combine adventure, safety, and learning. 

That’s why we offer our divers the opportunity to experience Safely with Enriched Air, the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy longer bottom times and safer profiles. Our professional PADI-certified instructors guide you through every step, from understanding Nitrox theory to analyzing your tanks and planning dives confidently. 

Whether you’re an experienced diver looking to extend your limits or a beginner eager to explore more, Piano Diving Club provides the ideal environment, equipment, and expertise to help you dive smarter and stay longer underwater.

Ready to level up your diving experience?

Start your journey today with the PADI Enriched Air Diver Course and discover how a little extra oxygen can transform every dive.