Do the TDI basic Nitrox course its is much cheaper than the PADI course and a little more user friendly if you ask me. ant it only cost around £90
when I did it. It qualifies you up to a 40% mix to a depth of 40m
Its a dry course, no diving involved. You learn about the pros and cons of 02 the benefits and dangers of diving it, how to Analise a tin, how to plan a dive. Apart from that its just a gas to breath and it doesn't even taste different which was a huge disappointment for me
Nitrox is good for extending your in water time or increasing your in water safety. Which ever you feel is more important to you.
The only down side of nitrox is having to have your tanks 02 cleaned every months and paying for the gas. I paid £15 for a 12ltr of 50% the other day so I would expect a 12 of 32 to be around £10. I haven't bought Nitrox gas for years so i am out of touch. (I fill at home)
ATB
Mark Chase