| The self-contained underwater breathing apparatus | | | | probability of succumbing to Nitrogen narcosis or |
| (SCUBA) has come a long way since its introduction | | | | Oxygen toxicity is eminent. Helium reduces the partial |
| in the 1940s. A number of modifications have been | | | | pressure potential of Oxygen or Nitrogen at depths |
| implemented since then for this breakthrough piece | | | | below 100 feet of sea water. |
| of scuba equipment that allows a person to linger | | | | Heliox is a combination of Helium and Oxygen, a gas |
| underwater for longer periods of time; all the more | | | | mixture designed to prevent Nitrogen narcosis from |
| enhancing the margin of safety against the potential | | | | occurring, particularly when engaged in commercial |
| health risks that may emanate in the conduct of this | | | | diving. |
| recreational sport. | | | | Hydreliox is a mixture of hydrogen, helium, and |
| Innovators of this underwater air source have also | | | | oxygen. This combination is commonly used to |
| developed pertinent gas mixtures, as an alternative | | | | pursue diving at depths of around 400 feet. |
| to atmospheric gas or Air, in order to extend bottom | | | | Checking the Air tank and Scuba Regulator before a |
| times while securing the health conditions of scuba | | | | Dive Before diving to the waters, proper servicing of |
| divers. Find below a rundown of non-Air mixtures | | | | the compressor and filling of the cylinder tank along |
| utilized as breathing gas in scuba diving. | | | | with the careful inspection of scuba equipment |
| Nitrox contains a higher proportion of Oxygen than | | | | conditions must be observed. Dive operators offering |
| that of conventional Air. Increased Oxygen in a | | | | technical diving services also provide electronic |
| Nitrox mixture reduces the Nitrogen content of air | | | | sensors as an extra precautionary measure to ensure |
| reserves and consequently diminishes the likelihood of | | | | that accurate proportions of pertinent gases are filling |
| experiencing residual nitrogen or decompression | | | | the cylinder tank. Likewise, this will considerably |
| sickness when diving depths of up to 130 feet. | | | | minimize the threat of conveying toxic gases to the |
| Trimix incorporates Helium into the regular mix of | | | | diver that is an offshoot of the unskilled handling of |
| Oxygen and Nitrogen gases. This mixture is utilized in | | | | gas mixtures. |
| the conduct of deep, technical dives where the | | | | |