What benefit does Nitrox provide during surface intervals?

The benefit of using Nitrox during surface intervals is that it reduces nitrogen build-up from previous dives. Nitrox, which is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen with a higher oxygen percentage than regular air, contains less nitrogen relative to the amount of oxygen. This composition is significant because when divers use Nitrox, they absorb less nitrogen while diving compared to those using air. During surface intervals, the reduced nitrogen levels in their bodies help to minimize the risk of nitrogen narcosis and decrease the overall nitrogen loading.

By decreasing the nitrogen absorbed during the dive, divers can enjoy shorter surface intervals before conducting another dive while still managing their residual nitrogen levels more effectively. This helps divers optimize their dive profiles and manage their risk of decompression sickness better than would be possible while breathing air with a higher nitrogen content.

Other options are less relevant; for example, staying underwater longer pertains more to dive planning limits, while increasing the risk of decompression sickness contradicts the benefits of using Nitrox for reducing nitrogen exposure. Enhancing buoyancy control is not a primary benefit of Nitrox, as buoyancy is largely influenced by the diver’s equipment and techniques rather than the gas mixture used.