What does 'EAN' stand for?

The term 'EAN' stands for Enriched Air Nitrox. This designation refers specifically to a blend of gases used in diving that typically contains a higher percentage of oxygen and a lower percentage of nitrogen than regular air. EAN is used to reduce the risk of nitrogen narcosis and decompression sickness, allowing divers to extend their bottom time at certain depths while maintaining safer dive profiles. The enrichment in oxygen enhances the breathing gas, making it advantageous for recreational diving as well as for technical diving applications.

Other options do not represent established terminology in diving. 'Enhanced Aquatic Nitrogen' and 'Excess Air Nitrogen' are not recognized terms within the diving community, and 'Electrical Air Nitrox' has no relevance to gas mixtures used in diving. Understanding these nuances is crucial for divers training in the use of Nitrox as it emphasizes the importance of gas mixtures in diving safety and performance.