The air we breathe everyday is as a gas made of 21% oxygen, 78 nitrogen and 1% other gas.
Nitrox, also called enriched air, is a mix of the same gaz but in a different proportion, we enrich the air with extra oxygen so the oxygen proportion is bigger. Its name: Nitrox comes from the combination of Nitrogen and Oxygen.
We refer to Nitrox according to its oxygen percentage, for example a Nitrox 32 contains 32% oxygen and is the most commonly used.

It is generally believed that Nitrox is used for very deep dives, but the reality is that it is a gas allowing longer diving time in mid-deep waters, perfect for recreational dives between 20 and 30 meters deep.
The only thing you need to know to dive using Nitrox is that beyond a specific depth, the oxygen becomes toxic. Nitrox being rich in oxygen, it becomes dangerously toxic, faster (less deep) than normal air.
But don’t get scared, after your course, you will know very well what will be your maximum depth on any given nitrox mix and plan your dive accordingly to stay safe!

Yes! Because of the danger associated with diving nitrox, which are different from the dangers of diving with air (which you have learned during your open water course), you will need to learn a few more things to dive safely with Nitrox.
The Nitrox course is the most taught speciality in the diving industry, not only it is the easiest and quickest diving course, it can be done without even getting wet.
On the MV Smiling Seahorse, we teach Padi Enriched Air Nitrox for 6000 THB. It can be easily done onboard in a few hours but can also be done online before coming through PADI e-learning. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions!

Most of the best dives are in a location where you are likely to meet strong currents. Take as example our beautiful Mergui Archipelago: currents bring nutrients and therefore lots of underwater life. But, it can be tricky to navigate, especially if you can't drift with it because the underwater topography doesn't allow it. Below you will find a few tips to make your immersion more comfortable and safe!

If there are any marker buoys at the surface, have a look at them. Usually if there is some current you will see it splitting at the marker level. It will give an indication of the direction and the speed.
Check the tide timetable, it could give you indications of whether the tide is going down (you have more chance to have a North to South current), or up (South to North current). Currents are weakest when its at its highest or lowest point so depending on the dive site you want to explore, this can be a great time to dive.
Ask the diving professionals or the captain of the boat. They might know how to read the water movement from the surface and can even give you tips to be able to understand it yourself.  

Depending where you want to dive, you will have to chose the best and safest entry.

• if you can find shelter at the surface: (a rock or island rising out of the water)

If you are diving from a big boat, it might be easier for the dive group to jump into a dinghy. This can allow you to get as close as possible to the entry point where you can be protected from a strong surface current which could make you drift away from the dive site before descending. Thereby, especially for beginners, you can still go into the water positively buoyant and take your time to go descend slowly.

• If you dive a pinnacle (underwater mountain) :

From a big boat or a dinghy, the best way to enter will be with a negative entry (with no air in your BCD). You will not be affected by the surface current and will be able to go straight down and meet the group at the bottom.

If you have to swim against the current, you have to maintain a horizontal position in order to reduce water resistance. Proper weighting is the key of being streamlined!
Moreover, make sure all your equipment is streamlined. Any alternate air source hose, torch or pointer dangling off your gear can get stuck in the reef or make your movements more difficult.
If you are photographer, diving into current with very big cameras can be tricky. If you have the option to take a smaller device for strong current dives, don't hesitate!
If you find yourself out of breath or too tired to kick against the current, stay close to the bottom and find a piece of rock or dead coral to rest. You can also pull yourself with one or two fingers to help you reach the point of interest. Obviously do this while staying respectful to the environment; Don't touch anything alive, and limit contact as much as possible.

Watching how this fish move can give you an idea of how to deal with the current.
For example, if you see a fish close to a rock staying still, you would want to seek shelter in the same place if you want to rest.
If you see a fish swimming in a vertical head up position along a wall or a slope, you understand that you will have to face a down current; don't panic and adjust your buoyancy.
Schools of barracuda or trevally hunt swimming against the current so seeing this behaviour can give you an indication of current direction. You can also observe how strong they are swimming to have an idea of the strength of the current.

- You will use more gas fighting the current, so check your air gauge more often.
- You might have to stay in deep areas to find shelter or to observe the underwater life revolving around you. Be careful to watch your No Decompression Limit closely!
- If you get caught in an uncontrollable current and have to end the dive, deploy your Surface Marker Buoy as soon as possible so the captain can follow you from the surface during your safety stop. It will avoid surfacing far away from the boat and long swims.
- Dive with a professional or experienced diver who can give you advice on your technique and guide you around the dive site safely.
​- If you don't feel comfortable, end the dive! Your well-being is the most important thing to consider.

"How much weight do I need?" "Should I take one more kilo to be sure?", "how do I know when I can shed one more weight from my belt?".
These are very common questions asked to dive professionals all over the world. 

​Good buoyancy control is a crucial part of diving which allows you to dive safely, while avoid damaging the reef or your equipment. When properly weighted, you will consume less air, and generally enjoy your dive more.
Although mastering this art requires time and practice, a very good place to start is with appropriate weighting!

One of the most common injuries while diving is a painful Middle Ear barotrauma, I’m sure you all felt a squeeze in your ears, even when only snorkeling and trying to go a few centimeters below the surface without equalizing, while diving, your ear are subject to the pressure around you and this squeeze can become very painful and cause serious permanent damage to your ear.

As you might know, pressure increase when going deeper below the surface. Your middle ear is a dead air space, connected to the back of your throat by the normally closed Eustachian canals, if you fail to fill up this space with air when the pressure around you increases (this is called equalizing) this is what’s happening: