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Diver using Nitrox SCUBA
Photo credit: NOAA Library / Photo by D. Kesling
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For nearly 30 years, NOAA's Undersea Research Program has played a role in the development
and provision of scientific diving capabilities. In addition to use of standard air SCUBA
operations, NURP's scientific diving program has used mixed gases to extend maximum diving depth,
increase bottom time, limit the effects of nitrogen narcosis, and reduce the chance of
decompression illness (DCI). One example of a mixed gas is "Nitrox", an oxygen-enriched air
mixture that reduces the partial pressure of nitrogen in the breathing gas and extends
no-decompression bottom-times.
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UConn recompression chamber
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The Center operates a gas mixing system and a recompression chamber to support Nitrox and air
diving operations. These operations are conducted in collaboration with the UConn Marine Science
and Technology Center's Diving Program. The MSTC Diving Safety Officer serves as NURC's Diving
Supervisor and is certified to operate the chamber and mix NITROX gas mixtures. Use of tri-mix
for deeper excursions, as well as rebreather systems for extended bottom times or when requiring
stealth for observations, can also be supported but have significant training requirements.
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