Stay Down Longer: Become an Enriched Air Diver in Avalon

AVALON WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE

Stay Down Longer: Become an Enriched Air Diver in Avalon

A concise, 1.5-hour Enriched Air (nitrox) specialty course in Avalon teaching oxygen management, tank analysis, and computer setup to extend no‑decompression time.

Stay Down Longer: Become an Enriched Air Diver in Avalon.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Avalon
Operator
Diving Catalina
Category
Water Activities
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Become an Enriched Air Diver and unlock the practical advantages of nitrox: higher oxygen, lower nitrogen and more no‑decompression bottom time. This popular specialty teaches why enriched air extends repetitive‑dive margins and how to manage oxygen exposure, analyze cylinder content, and configure your dive computer in a focused, hands‑on session run by Diving Catalina in Avalon.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE BENEFIT

More Bottom Time with Nitrox

The core appeal of the Enriched Air Diver course is practical: diving with higher oxygen and lower nitrogen content gives divers more no‑decompression time, especially on repetitive dives—letting you stay down longer and return to the water sooner.

THE SKILLS

Hands‑On Oxygen Analysis and Computer Setup

The curriculum centers on a practical session where participants practice analyzing oxygen content in tanks, learn to manage oxygen exposure, and set dive computers for enriched air profiles.

THE LOGISTICS

Gear Standards and Practical Considerations

Instructors review equipment compatibility and local requirements; scuba tanks used with enriched air must meet oxygen service standards and be dedicated for nitrox use, and students will practice using oxygen analyzers and applying cylinder decals.

What the day feels like

What the course feels like

Expect a compact, focused format: classroom explanation of nitrox theory followed by a practical session where you analyze cylinder oxygen content, learn oxygen‑exposure management, and set or configure your dive computer for enriched air. Note that while the syllabus describes practical work and the option for in‑water practice in some contexts, this particular offering is structured as a 1.5‑hour course and does not include a scuba dive or a scuba dive with nitrox.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this course suits and who should look elsewhere.

1
Certified Open Water DiversThis specialty is designed for divers already certified as Open Water Divers; if you hold that certification and are at least 12 years old you may enroll.
2
Teens and Young Divers (12–17)Divers aged 12 and older can take the course, but all participants under 18 must have a signed waiver from a legal guardian.
3
New or Uncertified DiversNot a fit—those who are not Open Water certified cannot enroll in the Enriched Air Diver specialty.
4
Parents & Guardians of MinorsIf you’re accompanying a minor participant, be prepared to sign the required legal waiver for anyone under 18.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring your certification card and personal dive gear if you own it; most modern scuba equipment and dive computers are compatible with enriched air but the instructor will confirm compatibility and local requirements prior to training.

Tanks & Oxygen Service

Scuba tanks used with enriched air must meet oxygen service standards and be dedicated for nitrox; the course includes practice using oxygen analyzers and special cylinder decals.

Instructor Check

Your Diving Catalina instructor will advise whether your gear meets manufacturer recommendations and local requirements for enriched air use.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Enriched Air Diver course?

Please allow approximately 1.5 hours for this course.

What is the minimum age to enroll?

If you’re an Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the Enriched Air Diver course. Participants under 18 must have a signed waiver from a legal guardian.

Do I need to be a certified diver to take this specialty?

Yes — the course is intended for certified Open Water Divers (minimum age 12).

Does the course include an in‑water nitrox dive?

This specific course offering does not include a scuba dive nor a scuba dive with nitrox.

Will my gear work with enriched air?

Most modern scuba equipment and dive computers can be used with enriched air; your Diving Catalina instructor will confirm whether your gear meets manufacturer recommendations and local requirements. Tanks, however, must meet oxygen service standards and be dedicated for enriched air use.

What practical skills will I take away?

You will learn to manage oxygen exposure, practice analyzing oxygen content in scuba tanks, and set your dive computer for enriched air nitrox diving.