Why is it necessary to perform an oxygen content analysis on a Nitrox tank?

Performing an oxygen content analysis on a Nitrox tank is essential to ensure the blend is safe for the planned dive profile. Since Nitrox is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen in varying proportions, it is crucial to know the exact percentage of oxygen in the tank. This information helps divers to understand the maximum operating depth (MOD) for that specific gas mixture.

Different oxygen levels affect the risks of oxygen toxicity, which can vary depending on the depth of the dive. By confirming the oxygen concentration, divers can make informed decisions about their dive profiles, ensuring that they do not exceed safe limits and reducing the risk of decompression sickness or other diving-related issues. This analysis is a critical safety step before each dive to confirm that the gas is appropriate for the environmental conditions and the diver’s planned activities.

Other options, such as checking for leaks, measuring the tank’s weight, or measuring the temperature of the gas, do not directly relate to the safety and appropriateness of the gas mixture in terms of oxygen exposure during the dive. Each of those factors is important in its own way, but they do not contribute to ensuring the blend is safe based on the dive plan.