What condition may occur if a diver does not manage their Nitrox dive properly?

Oxygen toxicity and decompression sickness are potential conditions that a diver may face if they do not manage their Nitrox dive properly. Nitrox, being a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen with a higher oxygen content than air, requires careful attention to the partial pressures of oxygen.

When a diver exceeds the recommended limits for oxygen exposure, they could experience symptoms of oxygen toxicity, which can include visual disturbances, dizziness, seizures, and other serious neurological symptoms. Additionally, improper management of ascent rates and time spent at depth can increase the risk of decompression sickness, also known as "the bends." This occurs when dissolved gases (primarily nitrogen) come out of solution too quickly as a diver ascends, leading to bubble formation in the bloodstream and tissues, which can cause severe pain and other serious health issues.

While nitrogen narcosis, dive-induced blindness, and hypercapnia are important considerations for divers, they are not directly tied to the specific risks associated with the management of Nitrox dives in the same way that oxygen toxicity and decompression sickness are. Therefore, understanding the effects of high oxygen levels and proper ascent protocols is crucial for safer Nitrox diving.