American Nitrox Divers International

American Nitrox Divers International (ANDI) is a scuba diving training organization based in the United States. It was founded in 1988 by Ed Betts and Dick Rutkowski, who pioneered the use of Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN) for recreational and commercial diving. ANDI offers a wide range of courses, from entry-level training to advanced technical diving, including the use of rebreathers and trimix.

History[edit | edit source]

ANDI was established in response to the growing demand for Nitrox training in the recreational diving community. The founders, Ed Betts and Dick Rutkowski, were early advocates of Nitrox use, which was initially met with skepticism by the broader diving community. Over time, the safety and efficiency benefits of Nitrox became widely recognized, leading to its acceptance and widespread use in recreational and commercial diving.

Training[edit | edit source]

ANDI offers a comprehensive range of scuba diving courses, from beginner to advanced levels. The training system is divided into several levels, each with its own set of prerequisites and course requirements. The levels include Open Water Sport Diver, Advanced Sport Diver, Technical Diver, and Expedition Diver, among others.

ANDI's training philosophy emphasizes safety, knowledge, and skill development. The organization is known for its rigorous training standards, which often exceed those of other diving certification organizations.

Nitrox Diving[edit | edit source]

Nitrox, or Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN), is a breathing gas that contains a higher percentage of oxygen and a lower percentage of nitrogen than atmospheric air. The use of Nitrox can extend no-decompression limits, reduce the risk of decompression sickness, and increase safety margins for divers.

ANDI was instrumental in promoting the use of Nitrox in recreational diving. The organization's training programs cover the safe use of Nitrox, including gas blending, dive planning, and equipment considerations.

References[edit | edit source]

American Nitrox Divers International Resources
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