Open-Circuit Programs

Extended Range Nitrox Diving

Intent

This program provides divers with the training necessary to:

Independently plan and conduct decompression dives,

In a Twinset or Extended Range Sidemount Total Diving System,

To a maximum depth of 40 meters,

Using decompression gas mixtures up to 100% oxygen,

For a maximum accumulated decompression time of 15 minutes,

With an equally- or more-qualified dive buddy.

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status Extended Range Nitrox Diving Instructor may conduct the Extended Range Nitrox Diving program.

Equipment Configurations

They may use a Twinset Total Diving System as outlined in the SSI Training Standards if they have the Extended Range Instructor certification with the Twinset configuration.

They may use an Extended Range Sidemount Total Diving System as outlined in the SSI Training Standards if they have the Extended Range Sidemount Instructor certification.

Student Prerequisites

Have logged at least:

24 total dives.

Have the following SSI certifications or an equivalent from a recognized training agency:

Deep Diving

Enriched Air Nitrox 40

For students using a sidemount configuration (in addition to the above):

Have the following SSI certifications or an equivalent from a recognized training agency:

Recreational Sidemount Diving

Duration

Recommended hours for completion: 16.

Minimum Equipment

Students participating in this program must use at least one of the following equipment configurations:

A complete Twinset Total Diving System.

A complete Extended Range Sidemount Total Diving System.

Including:

One (1) stage cylinder.

In-Water Ratios

The student-to-instructor ratio is 4:1.

Depth Limitations

Maximum pool/confined water depth limit: 12 meters.

Maximum depth limit for Open Water Training Dives 1 and 2: 30 meters.

Depth range for Open Water Training Dives 3 and 4: 30 to 40 meters.

At least one (1) dive must be to a depth of 35 meters.

Requirements For Completion

Complete all academic sessions and assessments as outlined in the instructor manual for Extended Range.

Complete the program’s final exam.

Independently plan a full dive plan using the Extended Range Dive Planning sheets.

Complete at least one (1) pool/confined water skill development session lasting at least one (1) hour as outlined in the instructor manual for Extended Range.

Complete at least four (4) open water training dives as outlined in the instructor manual for Extended Range.

Training Conditions

Breathing Gas and Decompression

Open Water Training Dives 1 and 2 must be planned within the no-decompression limits of the student’s dive computer, dive planning software, or the SSI Combined Air/EAN Tables.

Actual staged decompression training must be conducted on Open Water Training Dives 3 and 4, and any remaining training dives.

The total time for all required decompression stops must not exceed 15 minutes per dive.

Sequence

Open Water Training Dives 1 and 2 may only be conducted after the student successfully completes the equipment configuration session and all pool/confined water skill development sessions.

Open Water Training Dives 3 and 4 may only be conducted after the student successfully completes all academic sessions and Open Water Training Dives 1 and 2.

Certification

Upon completion of all academic and in-water requirements, the SSI Professional may issue the program’s digital certification card.

The SSI Extended Range Nitrox Diving certification entitles the holder to dive autonomously:

In environments similar to those of the diver’s training and experience,

In a Twinset or Extended Range Sidemount Total Diving System,

To a maximum depth of 40 meters,

Using decompression gas mixtures up to 100% oxygen,

For a maximum accumulated decompression time of 15 minutes,

With an equally- or more-qualified dive buddy.

Credit

Extended Range Nitrox Diving students may credit dives in this program to Open Water Training Dives 1 through 4 of the Extended Range program.