SSI Specialty Course Enriched Air Nitrox (SC-EAN) 40% Level 2 Practice Test

Diving with nitrox indeed offers certain advantages, particularly in terms of extended bottom times and reduced nitrogen absorption, which can lead to shorter surface intervals when diving within the appropriate limits. However, a common misconception is that it allows divers to dive deeper.

When using nitrox, divers often mistakenly believe they can exceed the depth limits associated with air dives. In reality, the maximum depth for nitrox diving is determined by its oxygen content, which means that as the percentage of oxygen in the mix increases, the maximum operational depth decreases. This is due to the risk of oxygen toxicity, which becomes a significant hazard at greater depths when using higher concentrations of oxygen.

Thus, while nitrox can reduce the risk of decompression sickness and allow for longer dives at shallower depths, it does not safely enable deeper diving beyond what air or a particular nitrox blend can allow. Understanding the limits and risks associated with the specific nitrox blend is crucial for safe diving practices.