Advanced Nitrox

The Advanced Nitrox course at Protec Sardinia is designed to equip divers with the knowledge and skills to safely plan and execute dives utilizing enriched air nitrox (EANx) up to 50% for extended bottom times and managing shallow decompression. This program is a crucial step for those seeking to optimize their dives within no-decompression limits or handle limited decompression stops effectively, serving as a prerequisite for technical diver training. The course focuses on advanced dive planning, including the use of twinsets, independent regulators, and stage decompression bottles, with a maximum depth limit of 42 meters (140 ft) and a maximum of 15 minutes of decompression.

Protec Sardinia offers this advanced training with a strong emphasis on understanding the benefits and risks associated with enriched air nitrox for technical diving applications. The curriculum includes a minimum of 4 days, comprising 8 hours of theory and 4 open water dives, alongside one shallow water training session. This structured approach ensures divers are thoroughly prepared for the technical demands of advanced nitrox diving. The center's commitment to safety is reflected in its maximum instructor-to-student ratio of 4:1, allowing for personalized attention and thorough skill development.

To participate in the Advanced Nitrox course, divers must have completed Deep Diver training. The required equipment is specialized and includes a double tank with a lockable bridge, two independent regulators, a stage decompression tank for 50% nitrox, a lift bag, a wing and backplate, a dive suit, mask, fins, line cutters, a reel with line, a dive computer, wet notes, a waterproof dive table, direction arrows, and a compass. This comprehensive gear list ensures students are ready for the practical application of advanced nitrox techniques.

This certification represents the highest non-technical training level and unlocks further possibilities in technical diving. By mastering advanced planning and gas management with EANx, graduates of this course at Protec Sardinia will be well-prepared for more complex dive profiles and future technical certifications. The skills learned are directly applicable to optimizing dive profiles and enhancing safety margins in a variety of advanced diving scenarios.