Checking your Nitrox

[GoldHillDave]

Hi! I have a Nitrox cert I've haven't used yet. It occurs to me to wonder if all divers check each tank with an analyzer like we were taught in the class, or if many at some point decide the shop/resort can be trusted.

[CompuDude]

Yes. Always check.

In fact, no reputable store will let you take your tanks without analyzing them yourself and noting the mix in their log.

The only question is whether you trust them enough to use their analyzer or if you insist on using your own (if you have one).

[ianr33]

Originally Posted by GoldHillDave

or if many at some point decide the shop/resort can be trusted.

Well,do you feel lucky ?

Do it yourself (or watch while a shop does it)

Getting it wrong can kill you. I trust myself more than an unknown dive shop employee.

[greyzen]

it's like the story about the beagle chasing the rabbit.

The rabbit got away and when asked how he could be outrun the beagle explained:
"I was running for my dinner, he was running for his life."


When checking your nitrox you need to remember.
He is filling for a paycheck, you are breathing to live.

[No Misses]

Always, always, always, check your O2 level. Your tanks were filled by a human being. All humans are fallible. Sometimes people get distracted. It happens. I once asked for 36% fills and accidently got 21% instead. I found the problem right away, when I tested the tanks. The shop owner apologized and then proceeded to give me the proper fills for free.

If I had not tested the tanks, I would have been doing 3 dives to 80-100 fsw in under 5 hours. It would not have been pretty. I would have been in deco on my first dive. The opposite would also have been deadly. Imagine diving to 100 fsw with 40% O2!

I have put away my soap box. It is safe for you to come out now. Happy diving

[dutchman]

This brings up another question. Who owns their own analyzer?

[tremtech]

I am not trying to flame you, but. My question is who gave you your nitrox cert ? Why would you not check your gas mixture yourself? What possible reason can you think of not to verify the o2 percentage that you put in your computer matches whats in the tank? How can you just assume that your ppo2 levels will remain safe (I guess CNS is not your concern the dive shop will deal with it). As for the dive shop they are required to have you sign their fill sheet and sign your tank and verify your MOD is correct, after you sign if you die o-well you released them of all liability. Thow you nitrox card in the trash and take the class again cuz you got robbed.

[tremtech]

Sorry i didn't mean to be rude

[cummings66]

As much as it pains me to write this, I'll agree you were rather rude. I know your reasons and I agree that any diver who dives any mix should analyze it for their safety, and others as well. It's also taught that you should witness the analysis and that you don't necessarily need to own your own, merely watch and verify that yours was done correctly.

There's a school of thought that says even air divers need to analyze their tanks, just in case. Might be extreme, might not be.

My belief is that I will always analyze my fills and I even own my own analyzer because my life is worth more to my wife and child than the few hundred dollars it takes to buy a good analyzer.

[RECDiver]

What everybody else says, ALWAYS check. When I check the EAN at the LDS, I check again at home with my analyzer.