What effect can a diver experience if they exceed their NO DECO limits while using Nitrox?

When a diver exceeds their no-decompression limits while using Nitrox, they are at risk of experiencing decompression sickness. This condition occurs when a diver ascends too quickly or spends too much time at depths that increase nitrogen absorption in the body, leading to gas bubbles forming in the tissues or bloodstream during ascent.

Nitrox, which is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, allows divers to have longer bottom times at shallower depths compared to air due to its lower nitrogen content. However, if divers do not adhere to established no-decompression limits, they may still absorb excessive nitrogen. When this nitrogen is released too rapidly as the diver ascends, it can lead to decompression sickness, also known as "the bends," which can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from joint pain to serious neurological issues.

Understanding this risk is critical for divers using Nitrox, as managing exposure to nitrogen is a key aspect of safe diving practices. While dehydration, enhanced oxygen absorption, and loss of buoyancy control can affect divers, they are not direct consequences of exceeding no-decompression limits in the same way that decompression sickness is.