What is the benefit of using Nitrox over air during recreational diving?

Using Nitrox provides a significant benefit by decreasing the risk of nitrogen narcosis, which is a condition that can affect divers at greater depths due to the increased partial pressure of nitrogen. Nitrox is a gas mixture that typically contains a higher percentage of oxygen and a lower percentage of nitrogen compared to regular air. This dilution of nitrogen allows divers to spend more time at certain depths before experiencing the effects of narcosis, making diving safer and more enjoyable.

When divers use Nitrox, the lower nitrogen levels reduce the chance of nitrogen buildup in the body tissues, particularly during extended dives or dives in the deeper ranges. This is particularly advantageous for divers who may be at risk of experiencing narcosis effects, such as decreased cognitive functions, which can impair decision-making and increase the likelihood of accidents underwater.

While considerations such as buoyancy control, oxygen absorption, and visibility are important in diving, they are not the primary advantages provided by using Nitrox over air. In fact, buoyancy control remains primarily related to factors like gas density rather than the composition of the breathing gas itself, and oxygen absorption is effectively managed within safe limits when Nitrox is used, as oxygen exposure is monitored with dive planning. Visibility can be influenced by other environmental factors but is