What effect does Enriched Air have on a diver's ascent and descent rates?

Enriched Air, commonly known as Nitrox, is a gas mixture that contains a higher percentage of oxygen compared to regular air. When discussing ascent and descent rates in the context of enriched air, it's important to recognize that the primary focus is on the composition of the gas rather than its effect on the physical act of ascending or descending.

Using Enriched Air does not inherently change the dynamics of how quickly a diver can safely ascend or descend. The ascent and descent rates are guided by standard dive practices and safety protocols that are established to avoid issues such as decompression sickness. These safety protocols dictate that ascent rates should typically remain within a range of 30 feet per minute to 60 feet per minute, depending on the specific dive plan and depth. The presence of a higher percentage of oxygen in the breathing gas doesn't accelerate or decelerate the physical act of moving through the water.

Thus, while enriched air can extend bottom times and reduce nitrogen absorption, especially at deeper depths, it does not affect how fast a diver can ascend or descend, which remains consistent with standard dive safety guidelines. Understanding this helps reinforce the importance of adhering to safe ascent and descent rates regardless of breathing gas composition.