If you’re planning to explore the world-famous wrecks of Busuanga Coron, taking a Nitrox course can significantly improve your diving experience. Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) is a specialized gas mix that contains a higher percentage of oxygen than regular air, reducing nitrogen intake and allowing for longer, safer dives. Whether you’re a recreational diver or a wreck diving enthusiast, getting Nitrox certified is a game-changer.
What is Nitrox Diving?
Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) is a blend of oxygen and nitrogen, with oxygen levels typically between 32% and 40% compared to the 21% found in normal air. This means less nitrogen absorption, reducing the risk of decompression sickness (DCS) and allowing for longer bottom times.
Why Nitrox is Essential for Wreck Diving in Coron
1. Longer Bottom Times for Wreck Exploration
Busuanga Coron is home to some of the best-preserved WWII shipwrecks, lying at depths ranging from 10 to 40 meters. With Nitrox, you can enjoy extended dive times at these depths, giving you more time to explore massive wrecks like:
- Irako – One of the deepest and most intact wrecks, requiring extended bottom time.
- Akitsushima – A stunning warship with an airplane crane and rich marine life.
- Okikawa Maru – A massive oil tanker that offers exciting penetration dives.
2. Reduced Risk of Decompression Sickness (DCS)
One of the biggest advantages of using Nitrox is that it significantly lowers the amount of nitrogen your body absorbs. Since wreck diving in Busuanga Coron often involves multiple deep dives per day, using Enriched Air Nitrox reduces your surface interval times and the risk of DCS, making your dives safer and more enjoyable.
3. Less Fatigue After Diving
Many divers report feeling less tired after diving with Nitrox, especially after consecutive deep dives. Since dive trips here in Busuanga Coron usually do at least 2 dives a day, using Nitrox can help reduce post-dive exhaustion, allowing you to fully enjoy your time above and below the surface.
4. Maximize Multi-Day Diving Trips
Diving trips usually involve multiple dives over several days, like our 3-day Ultimate Wreck Package and 5-day Busuanga Coron Adventure! With Nitrox, you can safely increase your number of dives per day, as it lowers nitrogen buildup in your body. This is especially beneficial for wreck diving liveaboards or dive packages that offer 3-4 dives per day.
5. Enhanced Safety for Deep Wreck Penetration Dives
For divers interested in penetration wreck diving, Nitrox provides an added safety margin. Since exploring the interior of wrecks requires careful navigation and extended time at depth, diving with a gas mix that reduces nitrogen absorption is crucial.
How to Get Nitrox Certified
We offer the PADI Nitrox certification course as a dry course (theory only), or with 2 Nitrox dives included. You must be at least an Open Water diver to take this course. We also offer the Nitrox course in combination with the Open Water or Advanced Open Water certification course!
The course typically includes:
- Learning how Enriched Air Nitrox affects your body.
- Understanding how to analyze oxygen levels in your tank.
- Learning how to adjust your dive computer settings for Nitrox use.
- Practicing safe gas management and planning.
Visit our Courses page for more information or contact us for details on our course combo offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nitrox Diving
1. Is Nitrox Safe for Wreck Diving?
Yes! However, diving with Enriched Air Nitrox requires careful depth management since higher oxygen levels increase the risk of oxygen toxicity at extreme depths. This is why proper training and a dive computer are essential.
2. Can I Use Nitrox Without Certification?
No, you must complete a Nitrox certification course before using Enriched Air. This training ensures you understand the risks and benefits of diving with a higher oxygen mix.
3. Do I Need Special Equipment for Nitrox?
Most standard dive gear is compatible with Nitrox, but you’ll need a dive computer that can be set for Enriched Air. Dive shops provide pre-analyzed Nitrox tanks, so you don’t need to worry about mixing gases yourself.
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If you’re serious about exploring Coron’s WWII shipwrecks, taking the Nitrox course is one of the best investments you can make. The ability to stay underwater longer, reduce nitrogen intake, and dive multiple times per day makes Enriched Air Nitrox an invaluable tool for wreck divers.
By getting Nitrox certified, you’ll experience longer, safer, and more enjoyable dives, allowing you to fully appreciate the rich history and marine life of Busuanga Coron’s legendary shipwrecks.
