The air we breathe consists primarily of two gases: NITROGEN ( 79%) and OXYGEN ( 21%). The term
"ENRICHED AIR NITROX" is simply regular air enhanced with a higher percentage of OXYGEN. This simple process reduces the
percentage of the NITROGEN in the scuba tank.
OXYGEN blends of 22%-40% are added to the tank for Recreational No Decompression Diving. As this
higher percentage of OXYGEN is added, the percentage of NITROGEN ("the bad gas") is reduced!
Although ENRICHED AIR NITROX is relatively new to recreational diving, military and research
divers have been using the gas to extend their No Decompression Limits for over 50 years! The first recorded Enriched
Air mix was recorded by Draeger as early as 1917. The United States Navy and the British Royal Navy studied and used
Enriched Air Nitrox in the 1940's. The NATIONAL ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ( NOAA) has more than 20 years of field
experience with Enriched Air Nitrox used by their research divers.
Five Star SCUBA is proud to offer certification classes for ENRICHED AIR NITROX as well as NITROX
rental tanks to Nitrox Certified Divers. For more details, contact Steve Madaras, Course Director, at 5 STAR SCUBA.