RAID - Nitrox Diver
RAID Nitrox Diver Course
The RAID Nitrox Diver course is a specialty program that trains divers in the safe use of enriched air nitrox (EAN) for recreational no-decompression diving. It covers planning dives with nitrox mixtures, analyzing gas content, and managing oxygen exposure to extend bottom times and enhance safety.
This course provides the knowledge to use nitrox effectively, typically with mixes up to 40% oxygen, while adhering to partial pressure limits.
Benefits of the RAID Nitrox Diver Course
- Extend no-decompression limits for longer bottom times.
- Reduce nitrogen absorption and risk of decompression sickness.
- Shorten surface intervals for repetitive dives.
- Learn gas analysis and cylinder labeling procedures.
- Plan dives using equivalent air depth (EAD) concepts.
- Manage oxygen exposure and toxicity risks.
- Prerequisite for advanced courses such as Deep 40 and technical programs.
Prerequisites
- Minimum age: 15 years.
- Certified as RAID Open Water 20 or equivalent from a recognized agency.
- Completion of a medical questionnaire (physician approval required for certain conditions).
- Standard RAID forms, including liability release and safe diving practices agreement, via the RAID User Portal.
- For minors (under 18): Parental or guardian consent and signature on required forms.
Course Structure
The course is primarily theory-based with a practical gas analysis session, conducted by a certified RAID Instructor:
1. Academic Development
Completed via RAID’s online FREe-Learning platform. Topics include:
- Properties and advantages of nitrox.
- Oxygen exposure limits, CNS, and OTU tracking.
- Equivalent air depth and dive planning.
- Gas analysis techniques.
- Equipment considerations and safe handling. Students access digital manuals, complete quizzes, and pass a final exam at their own pace.
2. Practical Session
Brief in-person or center-based:
- Hands-on oxygen analysis and cylinder tagging.
Duration and Depth Limits
- Theory: Self-paced online (typically 4-6 hours).
- Practical session: Short verification (30-60 minutes).
- No mandatory dives required.
- Certification allows no-decompression diving with nitrox (typically EAN32 or EAN36), respecting maximum PPO2 of 1.4 (and 1.6 for contingency), within existing depth certifications.
Equipment Provided
The dive center provides an oxygen analyzer and sample nitrox cylinders for practical demonstration and analysis.
No scuba gear required, as no dives are mandatory.
Certification
Upon successful completion of academics and practical skills, students receive a globally recognized electronic certification (e-card) issued by RAID. The certification is permanent and downloadable from the RAID portal. It authorizes recreational no-decompression diving with enriched air nitrox worldwide.
Next Steps to Enroll
1. Create a free account on the RAID User Portal: https://user.diveraid.com
2. Purchase the digital Nitrox Diver course materials in the RAID Store and access them via https://diveraid.com/free-learning/
3. Contact the center to book, discuss fees, and schedule your session. The center will unlock training materials, conduct the program, and handle any recognition.
The RAID Nitrox Diver certification enables safer and longer recreational dives through the informed use of enriched air mixtures.
