General Nitrox Information

What is Nitrox?

Nitrox is a breathing gas composed primarily of nitrogen and oxygen. In recreational diving, the term usually means enriched air containing more oxygen—and therefore less nitrogen—than ordinary air.

Why divers use it

Lower nitrogen exposure can extend no-decompression limits on many dive profiles and can be especially useful during repetitive diving. Nitrox does not make every dive longer, deeper, or automatically safer. The benefit depends on depth, blend, exposure, and responsible planning.

What changes

Increasing oxygen introduces an oxygen-exposure limit and a maximum operating depth. Divers must personally analyze the cylinder, confirm the blend, label it correctly, calculate an appropriate depth limit, and set the dive computer to match.

Common recreational blends

EAN32 and EAN36 are widely used blends, but the actual percentage in every cylinder must be measured. Never assume that a label or requested blend is accurate.

Important: Online information does not replace formal training, current certification, manufacturer instructions, or local requirements.