Q: What is Nitrox? 
A: Nitrox
(oxygen enriched air) is any mixture of oxygen and nitrogen.
The most common nitrox mixtures used in recreational diving
are nitrox 32 (32% oxygen and 68% nitrogen) and nitrox 36
(36% oxygen and 64% nitrogen).
Q: Is
nitrox a new concept?
A: No. It
has been used by the military for over 40 years, NOAA for
almost 20 years, and the recreational diving community for
approximately 10 years.
Q: Can
Standard scuba equipment be used with nitrox 32 and nitrox
36?
A: Yes. As
long as the nitrox is premixed prior to entering the
cylinder, no special cleaning needs to be performed on the
cylinder or the valve. It is highly recommended to get your
cylinders cleaned based on the fact that more nitrox filling
stations use partial pressure blending which puts oxygen in
your tank before air is added. Most standard regulators can
be used with nitrox mixtures up to 40% oxygen.
Q: Does
nitrox cost more than a regular air fill?
A: Yes.
The average cost for an aluminum 80 cu/ft 3000 psi, filled
with up to nitrox 32% will cost around $13.00 and 36% cost
$15.00. Larger tanks
100cu/ft will cost around $15.00.
Q: Is
diving with nitrox safe?
A: Yes....
and no. When using nitrox with air tables or dive computers,
the risk of DCS (decompression sickness) is reduced.
However, nitrox mixtures have shallower depth limitations
than air, due to the increased risk of oxygen toxicity.
Q: Can
bottom time increase when using nitrox?
A: Yes.
“No decompression” limits are based on nitrogen saturation.
When using nitrox, as compared with air, there is less
nitrogen saturation at the same depth.
Q: How
much does nitrox training cost?
A: The
cost for proper training is around $150.00 for basic nitrox.
Q: What
are the prerequisites to take a nitrox course?
A: You
must be 15 years of age or older and should be comfortable
with your equipment and diving conditions in your area.
Q: When
can I sign up for a nitrox class?
A: The
classes are held monthly all year long. All you need to do
is sign up for a class that is convenient to you and you’ll
get your textbook at the time of your deposit.
Our system is a Continuous Blending
System 
Q: What is
a continuous blending system?
A:
Continuous blending is a gas delivery system, which is an
accurate and efficient way to immediately blend Nitrox. ASC
can provide up to a 40% Nitrox level, which means that your
Scuba equipment does not need to be oxygen serviced in order
to use it with Nitrox gas also known as Enriched Air. This
makes the entire system much safer for both the technician
and the customer. Here at ASC, we are very proud of our new
fill station. Stop by any time for a tour, or to ask about
the advantages of Nitrox diving.
Classes are forming now so that you can
take advantage of Enriched Air diving.
Class cost is $150.00
plus learning materials
Course Includes two tanks of Enriched
Air (NITROX)
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