Whatever happened to NITROX...

[Deep Blue]

I agree with Jon, helium is without a doubt, the next nitrox. In fact, helitrox and heliar will allow divers to explore the depths beyond 100 feet with dramatically less effect from narcosis, and fills will not be that much more expensive than a standard nitrox fill. In fact, a 95 cubic foot tank of helitrox 26/17 (26 percent oxygen 17% helium) would cost just over $16!!!!!

Training is much more accessible too, as I can train divers that have decompression techniques level training and teach them to use helitrox in as little as 4 dives for much less than a full trimix class. (Class cost will be around $350) This approach provides a bridge between decompression diving using nitrox for decompression and using helium in thier bottom mix that doesn't require a student to go all the way to trimix in one step.

This should be a much safer and more prudent approach that could actually make helium below 100 feet, a reality. Even here in conservative Milwaukee!!!!!