What is the main advantage of having less nitrogen in the breathing mix when using Nitrox?

Prepare for the IANTD Enriched Air (Nitrox) Test. Enhance your understanding with multiple choice questions and explanations. Boost your confidence and readiness!

The main advantage of having less nitrogen in the breathing mix when using Nitrox is that it minimizes the risk of decompression sickness. Nitrogen is an inert gas that dissolves in body tissues when divers are submerged under pressure. As the pressure decreases during ascent, excess nitrogen can form bubbles in the body if it is not eliminated quickly enough. By breathing a mix with lower nitrogen content, divers significantly reduce the amount of nitrogen absorbed into their tissues during the dive. This leads to a decreased likelihood of developing decompression sickness, which can occur when divers ascend rapidly or do not follow proper ascent procedures.

While reduced buoyancy, greater visibility, and more efficient gas management may have some relevance to a diver's experience, they do not directly address the primary benefit of using Nitrox, which focuses on safety and the physiological effects of reduced nitrogen exposure.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy