The PADI Enriched Air Diver course is the most popular PADI specialty for good reason—it allows for longer dives and shorter surface intervals. This is a non-diving, theory-based course with a hands-on practical component where you’ll learn how to analyse enriched air tanks safely. It's a useful addition for any diver wanting to make the most of their time underwater.
This is a dry course, so there’s no diving involved—making it ideal to fit into a travel day or rest period between dives. You'll start with 2–3 hours of classroom-based theory where you’ll explore what enriched air is, how it benefits repetitive diving, and how to manage its risks. The instructor will guide you through the materials and exam, with time for questions to ensure you feel confident in the knowledge.
After completing the exam, you’ll move on to the practical element, where you’ll learn how to use an oxygen analyser to check Nitrox tanks. This skill is key for enriched air use and will become part of your routine when diving with Nitrox in future. Once qualified, you’ll be certified to dive with enriched air anywhere in the world, and you’ll receive free Nitrox fills for your next dives with the centre.
The course is run at the dedicated dive training facilities in Manado, North Sulawesi. The centre is equipped with classrooms designed for diver education and includes everything needed for the practical air analysis component. The location is ideal for divers looking to fit in a course between diving days or while exploring the nearby area.
Manado sits on the doorstep of Bunaken National Park, a globally recognised diving region home to steep coral walls and a huge variety of marine life. While this course doesn’t involve any diving, the area offers exceptional underwater opportunities to put your new skills to use straight after certification.
To take part in this course, you must already hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent. It’s suitable for both new and experienced divers who want to add enriched air diving to their qualifications.
There is no in-water component, so it’s a good option even if you're taking a day off diving. All theory and analysis are done on land, and the course can be completed in half a day.
The dive centre is a PADI 5-star operation with a reputation for safety, thorough training, and approachable, experienced instructors. Courses are delivered in a relaxed environment, with support available in both English and Indonesian, and flexible scheduling to work around your travel plans.
As a family-run resort with a focus on personal service, they make divers feel at home. Guests enjoy well-organised training and benefit from local knowledge of North Sulawesi’s top diving areas. Your certification also includes free Nitrox for your next dives, giving you immediate value after completing the course.
No, you don’t need to be highly experienced to take the PADI Enriched Air Diver course. The only requirement is that you already hold an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent from a recognised training agency. Many divers choose to take this specialty early in their diving journey because it allows more flexibility with dive planning.
Since there is no in-water component, it's also a good introduction to further dive theory without the pressure of having to complete practical skills in the ocean. The course content is accessible and your instructor will guide you through everything at a comfortable pace.
No, this is a non-diving course. It is entirely theory-based, with one hands-on component involving the use of an oxygen analyser to check Nitrox tank mixes. This makes it ideal to take on a rest day between diving or during a travel day.
Despite not entering the water, the course still delivers a valuable skill set that improves dive safety and extends your bottom time on future dives. You’ll be able to apply what you’ve learned immediately if you’re continuing your trip with more dives.
Nitrox, or enriched air, is a breathing gas with a higher concentration of oxygen than regular air. By reducing the nitrogen content, it allows divers to stay underwater longer within no-decompression limits, especially during repetitive dives.
It also shortens surface intervals and can help reduce fatigue after diving. This is particularly useful on liveaboard trips or multi-dive days, where extended bottom time and shorter turnarounds between dives are a big advantage.
Your course fee includes all required training materials (either eLearning access or a physical manual), the theory session with an instructor, the practical gas analysis session, and your PADI certification card.
As an added bonus, you’ll also receive free Nitrox fills for your next dives with the dive centre after completing the course. This means you can put your new knowledge to use straight away at no extra cost.
No dive gear is needed for this course, as it is non-diving and focused on classroom learning. The only piece of equipment you’ll handle is an oxygen analyser, which is provided for the practical part of the course.
If you plan to use Nitrox on your subsequent dives, the dive centre has Nitrox-compatible cylinders and dive computers available for rent. Your instructor will also show you how to set up your computer correctly for enriched air use.
The course typically takes around 2–3 hours to complete. This includes time for reviewing the theory, completing the final exam, and conducting the practical oxygen analysis session.
It’s a short course but highly informative, and many divers appreciate being able to add a valuable certification without taking time away from their dive schedule or holiday activities.
About the centre
Murex Resorts Manado, Jl. Raya Tanawangko No.1, Kalasey Satu, Mandolang, Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi 95661
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Murex Resorts, a partner of adventuro.
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £200
North Sulawesi, Indonesia
From $3447
